international women's day speech examples

Here are some great tips for writing IWD speeches and presentations

International Women's Day provides a useful opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world. IWD is for celebrating the achievements of women and/or calling for gender parity.

Around the world - from small grassroots gatherings and local celebrations, through to large scale events and press conferences - people everywhere are delivering exciting and engaging speeches and presentations that reinforce a commitment to women's equality and rally action and awareness raising.

Below are some useful points to cover in IWD addresses - whether addressing young children, employees in the workforce, members of the community, public audiences, or the press.

About International Women's Day 

Even though International Women's Day is a well-known moment in most countries, it is often helpful to still set some context. 

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first​ ​IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the​ Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom's Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women's equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

Read more about International Women's Day  here .

Engaging topics and angles to cover

Some engaging topics and angles to include in International Women's Day speeches and presentations include:

• The rise of women is not about the fall of men
• Everyone can play a role in forging gender parity
• Gender balance is not solely a women's issue, but also an economic issue
• What is bias and how does it play out?
• Advocacy, inclusive mindsets, and tangible action are needed from all

Speeches and presentations can reference successful women and their achievements and this can provide great context for the speech or presentation and its audience.

Consider using a powerful and engaging IWD video  to set some context for a speech and presentation. 

Key points to convey

Some engaging angles to elaborate upon may include:

• Many societies have moved on from women having to succeed in a man's world
• Gender stereotypes are being challenged and diverse representation of women is more evident
• There is still a continuing need worldwide for more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviors to be forged
• There are many examples of gender bias - both conscious and unconscious - and each impacts women
• Collectively everyone everywhere can strive for women's equality and continue to make positive gains
• Equal opportunities aren't enough because equity is different to equality
• What it means to truly include women and ensure a sense of belonging

Setting some interesting historical context

The path to women's equality has been long and challenging, and here are some reasons why. Each stage provided an important focus in forging the gender agenda further along.

• Activism:  In the late 1800's and early 1900's, women activists fought hard for equality. The focus was largely on securing the right to vote and equal pay for equal work. These two issues - women's voice and participation in government; and the gender pay gap - largely remain key priorities well over a century later.  
• Feminism: Fast-forward to the 1970's and widespread feminist action saw women rallying, protesting and lobbying hard for inclusion, influence and equality. Feminists faced many challenges - systemic and societal - not only from opposing men, but also from other women.  
• Fix the women:  The 1980's saw an array of "Fix the Women" programs that were well-meaning in trying to help women become more confident, visible, well-networked and assertive - but many reinforced a notion that women needed to "act like men" and "fit" into existing patriarchal structures and organizations if they were to succeed (all while still being a superwoman in the home). Shoulder pads, power suits, high heels and a loud voice were in fashion.  
• Change the organization - The 1990's and noughties focused on organizational development: "Maybe if we change or fix the organizational structures, women will thrive?" So a focus on areas like 'women in the boardroom' escalated, as did more diverse recruiting, inclusive talent pipelines, and attention to wider diversity groups beyond gender such as race, LGBT+ and so forth. The introduction of "Top Company" and "Top Women" style lists occurred and as they increased in popularity, the number of new lists launched each year increased exponentially. The number of women's awards, conferences and networks also increased significantly - and continue to play an important and necessary role across all countries. The volume of gender-related research also increased - new insight, new terms and understandings, new phrases, measurement of the extent of problems or success; hard facts and numbers; incremental data.  
• Diversity & Inclusion: The 20-teens's saw an increasing focus on intersectional feminism and the important role that diversity and inclusion play in forging an equal world. "Men as allies" (i.e. men as advocates and champions of change), with this being recognized as a major element in accelerating women's equality. Many progressive CEOs and influential leaders have committed via formal public channels to helping build diverse and inclusive organizations that challenge stereotypes and bias. Furthermore, the global rise of social media provided a greater voice to groups often marginalized or sidelined from positions of power. Increasingly the global collective conversation for feminism continued to open up and grow. Understanding, challenging and calling out gender stereotypes, bias and discrimination became more prevalent. In 2013,  Lean In was founded to provide community, education and resources to support women's development, with an annual Women in the Workplace Study conducted with McKinsey & Company. The #MeToo movement (founded by activist Tarana Burke who coined the term “MeToo” in 2006) gained widespread attention in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano urged victims of sexual harassment and assault to share their stories on social media. A global wave of activism and much needed change ensued. Much ground was made in the 20-teens, yet there was still a lot more to do.  
• The world expects diversity, equity and inclusivity: And so here we are in the 2020's. The significant global rise in International Women's Day activity in every corner of the world - along with the many female-focused campaigns and initiatives worldwide - means gender is firmly on the agenda. As expectations rise and information spreads faster and wider than ever before, organizations face unprecedented scrutiny from candidates, consumers, communities, investors, governments, and the media in terms of their support for and treatment of women. Many employers now publicly publish annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) reports and participate in various indices and accolades. 

Gender-related conversations and activity are certainly on the rise. Over the years, the term "International Women's Day" was one of the most discussed topic on Facebook by millions (even more than the Super Bowl). And back in 2018, Pantone's 'Color of the Year' was purple (i.e. women's color). Everywhere, gender is on the mainstream radar and impacting the narrative. Stereotypes, discrimination and bias are more likely to be called out. Men's role in society is more varied, and gender roles are more fluid. We are moving to a very exciting time in history where the world now "expects" diversity, equity and inclusion. The world notices its absence and celebrates its presence.

Step back over the years. International Women's Day has seen groups rally around many different focuses. For example, International Women's Day 2016 saw people worldwide being asked to support women's equality and develop an inclusive mindset via a #PledgeforParity. Then for International Women's Day 2017, the world was asked to #BeBoldforChange and identify tangible action to help accelerate gender parity. International Women's Day 2018 saw a massive #PressforProgress as the world stepped forward to push the boundaries and go beyond in achieving greater equality for women. International Women's Day 2019 saw& groups continue to play a critical role in helping forge a more gender-balanced world as we worked towards a #BalanceforBetter. International Women's Day 2020, amidst the pandemic, saw an important wave of collective individualism as we all strived to be #EachforEqual - because we know that an equal world is an enabled world. Then in 2021, we saw widespread global adoption of the #ChooseToChallenge campaign theme as groups committed to actively watching for and calling out inequity. In 2022, we stepped up and increased awareness of the significant impact that bias has on women's equality - both conscious and unconscious bias. We need to recognize it, and call it out, and so we called to everyone to #BreakTheBias. In 2023, the world truly made a massive effort to understand the difference between equity and equality , and why treating everyone the same can be discriminatory, and why in fact equal opportunities aren't enough. As such, the world saw a considerable narrative about why and how to #EmbraceEquity.

And so now for 2024, here we are living in a world that's incredibly turbulent, complex and exciting. The IWD 2024 campaign theme focuses on a global request to #InspireInclusion because when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. So the aim of the IWD 2024  #InspireInclusion   campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.

Insightful statistics to include

Download the Women in the Workplace Report  report to gain a sense of where women are at on the long road to equality.

Or download the Global Gender Gap report  that reinforces the growing urgency for action.

Whether covering the rise of women creatives, the work of women film directors, the status of equal pay, scientific prizes awarded to women, the number of women leading in government, or women in the boardroom - insightful statistics and associated visuals are very engaging.

It is also worthwhile to refer to a summary of actions countries have taken around the world to help forge women's equality. 

Use your voice and power on International Women's Day

Via  Influential speakers  and highly engaged audiences, International Women's Day has a global following with a shared purpose.

Let's use the opportunity of International Women's Day speeches and presentations to truly forge the gender agenda further and to make positive gains for women and girls worldwide.

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Join the global IWD Community

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion

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Writing A Women’s Day Speech: 7 Tips and Examples

Every year on March 8th, the world recognizes International Women’s Day. It’s a day for celebrating the economic, social, cultural, and political accomplishments of women and for celebrating Women’s Rights . In 1911, over a million people from Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland celebrated the first International Women’s Day . Today, in addition to celebrating women’s achievements, IWD is an opportunity to call for gender equality and justice. Speeches are held at events around the world. How do you write a good speech for International Women’s Day? Here are seven tips and examples:

Tip #1: Know your audience

Before writing a speech, you want to know who your audience is and what they care about. Without this information, you may write something that doesn’t resonate. It may not be bad, but it may miss the mark. As an example, if you don’t know recent college graduates make up most of your audience, you may write a speech that fails to take into account their youth, their goals (like starting a career), their knowledge and experience of history, and so on. Your audience’s age is just one piece of information about them. In a 2019 article on Ideas.Ted.com , Briar Goldberg describes how audiences can be broken into three types: expert, novice, and mixed. If you’re speaking to an expert audience, you’ll rely on more complex arguments and terminology than if you were speaking to a novice audience. With mixed audiences, appealing to emotions is often the best choice.

At the 2020 International Finance Corporation’s celebration event for International Women’s Day, the CEO Philippe Le Houérou spoke to his audience’s interests by focusing on economics, numbers, and ways IFC is addressing gender inequality, saying :

“At IFC, we have developed a comprehensive approach to reducing gender inequality. We create partnerships to encourage the hiring of women and improve their working conditions. We help expand access to financial services for women. We invest in innovative technologies that expand choices for female consumers and employment. And we work with partners to provide business skills and leadership training to women entrepreneurs.”

Tip #2: Write a strong opening

A strong opening engages the listener and gives them a general roadmap of your speech. Depending on your speech’s context and audience, you can experiment with opening styles. If you’re speaking to a general audience, an anecdote is a great way to capture your listener’s attention and get them emotionally invested. If your audience consists of experts or academics, it might be best to keep your introduction as brief as possible (many speeches begin with thank yous), so you can spend more time on the speech’s main points.

Consider then-UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri’s 2013 speech to the mostly-expert audience of the Open Society Foundation. Her topic was on the importance of girls’ education. After thanking the audience, she opened with strong, clear language to emphasize the speech’s main message:

“Your Excellencies, fellow panelists, ladies and gentlemen. I am honoured to be participating in this very important side event on the right to education in the post-2015 agenda. I sincerely thank the International Council for Adult Education, the Global Campaign for Education and all of the convening organizations for inviting me to speak today. UN Women considers that education is one of the greatest game-changers for women and girls around the world. It is both an enabler and force multiplier for women’s economic, political and social empowerment and gender equality.”

Tip #3: Include statistics to support your claims

When you’re writing a speech about issues like gender equality in education, healthcare, or the workplace, you want to give the audience specific information about the issue. Without key statistics , the audience won’t know how serious an issue is or what progress is being made. It isn’t enough to say that “many” girls don’t receive equal education compared to boys or that things are “improving.” What are the actual numbers? Sharing statistics also shows you did your research, which gives your words credibility.

You can also include data to show what specific organizations are doing and how they’re impacting gender equality. That’s what Michelle Obama did in her 2016 speech at the Let Girls Learn event that celebrated Women’s Day. She sprinkled facts through her speech on how Let Girls Learn was making a difference. Here’s an example:

“Folks of all ages and all walks of life are stepping up, as well. More than 1,600 people in nearly all 50 states have donated money to Let Girls Learn Peace Corps projects. Our #62MillionGirls hashtag was the number-one hashtag in the U.S., with people across the country talking about the power of education. And we’ll be launching the next phase of this social media campaign next week at South by Southwest.”

Tip #4: Strike the right tone

How do you want to present yourself? What kinds of emotions do you want to stir in your audience? These types of questions help you identify the appropriate tone for your speech. This is another reason why knowing your audience matters. When you’re speaking to a group of seasoned experts in a formal setting, your tone will likely sound more analytical and logical. If you were speaking in a more casual environment to a group unfamiliar with your subject, you’ll probably want to adopt a more personal, conversational style. If you want to provoke emotions in your listeners and get them to care, stories are very effective. If your goal is to inform and educate, it’s wise to rely on facts and stats.

Tracee Ellis Ross’ 2018 TED Talk on women’s anger is a great example of a speech with a tone that fits the speech’s context. She’s speaking to a mixed-gender audience in a non-academic setting. Because the topic she’s covering is personal, she uses a conversational, almost intimate style that switches between the first and second person. She addresses both the women and men in the audience, but keeps the women centered. Here’s an example toward the end of the speech:

“Our culture is shifting, and it’s time. So my fellow women and our gentle men, as we are here together within this particular window of this large-scale movement towards women’s equality, and as we envision a future that does not yet exist, we both have different invitations.”

Tip #5: Pay attention to structure

At their most basic, speeches consist of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Each section serves an important purpose. The introduction establishes your credibility, the speech’s tone, and its goals. The body, which is the main part of the speech, fills in the points you want to cover using statistics, stories, or other forms of evidence. The conclusion wraps everything up and emphasizes what you want your audience to remember. Unlike something that’s written, your audience can’t look back to find their way if they get lost, so as you move through the three sections, you want things to be as clear and simple as possible.

In 2021, Srishti Baksh gave a TedTalk relating her 2,300-mile walk journey across India where she held driving workshops to empower women’s ability to move across the country. She uses a simple structure that opens with the story of the first time she went to a movie alone with her friends at age 14. She was assaulted in the theater. She then zooms out, describing how there are 600 million women in India, but women rarely go outside because they’re not safe. In the body of her speech, she zooms back in to talk about her walking journey, the women she met, the empowering and terrifying things she witnessed, and how she joined forces with another woman to create a movement that trains female drivers. She concludes with a clear message:

“By rethinking mobility for women, giving them a safe transport and safety outside of home, it is our hope to transform our culture. Apart from having a profound impact on the Indian economy, this is about something much bigger. As you all know, when we move, we can be seen. The more women see other women in public spaces, the more safe, independent and empowered each one of us will be. So. If we can learn how to walk, certainly we can learn how to fly.”

Tip #6: Use repetition to your advantage

How do you make sure your audience gets the point of your speech? How do you make your speech – which might be one of many speeches the audience sits through – memorable? Repetition. You want to repeat your main point throughout your speech. It’s a good idea to include it at least three times: in the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. There are other types of repetition that make your speech memorable, too. Repetition can include keywords, phrases, and even the sounds of words. Repetition looks different depending on what kind of speech you’re giving. If you’re giving an emotion-driven speech, frequent repetition of the same words/phrases adds to the emotional punch. For informational or educational speeches where powerful emotions aren’t necessarily appropriate, use different words/phrases to repeat the main point.

For an example of good repetition in a speech, let’s look at Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw’s 2016 Keynote at Women of the World . From a word search, it’s clear what the speech is about. Together, the words “intersectionality” and “intersectional” appear 42 times. Repetition is found within sentences and paragraphs, too:

“There are multiple forms of intersectionality . I could talk about a lot of them, but the kind of intersectionality that I most want to talk about is the intersectionality around politics – political intersectionality .”

“So the question we have to ask is, what can we each do about it? We’ve been saying the first thing you can do about it is say her name. Do not allow her death to happen in silence. Do not allow their children, their loved ones to grieve for them in silence. Do not allow , do not affirm the belief that their lives are insignificant.”

Tip #7: Ask rhetorical questions

Do you want to increase audience engagement? Ask rhetorical questions. When you ask a question, your audience is forced to think more deeply about your words. They’re more likely to listen more closely, as well, since the information that follows a question will provide more context. You can use rhetorical questions in a few ways. You can anticipate a question your audience might have, set up an important point, or even encourage an emotional response. Even though audience members won’t shout out an answer (unless you encourage them to do so), asking questions makes your speech feel more interactive and engaging.

Let’s look at a 2003 speech by Maxine Waters at the National Youth Summit. While it isn’t directly about women’s rights, it serves as a great example of how to use questions in a speech. Right from the beginning, it’s clear this speech is going to be interactive. She says good morning to the audience and then prompts them to answer her. Through the speech, Waters asks many questions (some rhetorical, some direct), all of which make the speech engaging even through a transcript:

“Who makes up this jury? [Waters is discussing a trial involving a White cop and a Black teenager that ended in a hung jury and mistrial] A lot of people were very, very concerned because there was only one black person on the jury. The city of Inglewood is majority minority, and majority African-American. How could this have happened? How could you get a jury with only one black, in a case where the defendants are African-American, in a city where it is majority minority and mostly black? How could this happen?”

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

The most inspiring speeches for International Women’s Day

• March 7, 2019
• Making People Smile

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“our words can change the whole world because we are all together”, that is how malala yousafzai concluded her speech at the united nations. when malala started her speech, she was seen by everyone as a young girl with a huge story behind her, but that day, it was her words in favour of the equality for girls and women that made her wise in everyone’s eyes. and her words have also echoed all around the world but malala, nobel peace prize laureate, was not the only one to raise her voice. over the years, more and more people have joined the movement for gender equality. so, what better way to celebrate international women’s day than through their voice, their strength and their conviction these are some of the most inspiring speeches in favour of gender equality on the occasion of international women’s day, malala yousafzai.

“Feminism is just another word for equality. It means equality and no one would object equality.”

Michelle Bachelet

“ Progress of women is progress for all of us . Giving priority to women is not an option. It is a necessity. Giving more opportunities to women, besides being a matter of rights, is also a manifestation of good economic sense.”

Emma Watson

“We are struggling for a uniting world, but the good news is that we have a uniting movement. It is called HeForShe. I am inviting you to step forward, to be seen and to ask yourself: if not me, who? If not now, when?”

Meghan Markle

“It is said that girls with dreams become women with vision. May we empower each other to carry out such vision – because it isn’t enough to simply talk of equality. One must believe it. And it isn’t enough to simply believe in it. One must work at it. Let us work at it. Together. Starting now. ”

Oprah Winfrey

“Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have”

Angelina Jolie

“There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free and educated woman. There is no more inspiring role model than a man who respects and cherishes women and champions their leadership ”.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“My own definition of feminist is a man or a woman who says, “Yes, there is a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it”

Women of the whole world

“We share a common future and we are here to find a common ground so that we may help bring new dignity and respect to women and girls all over the world.” – Hillary Clinton.

“Nowadays, there are some women who think ‘we do not need to empower women, we are free, and society accepts us as we are’. Which is totally uncertain. Many rooted, old-fashioned, false and anti-gender equality beliefs and assumptions are still existing. Moreover, although innovation and technology are offering new opportunities, the digital divide is widening, and women are under-represented in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. From mobile banking services to artificial intelligence or the Internet of things, it is essential that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and application of the innovations that will shape the societies of the future. That is why we must keep fighting for equality, today and every single day. This March, Moneytrans is organising the first Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards with several categories including one specific for ‘the women entrepreneurs”. We have received many applications from brave, enterprising and successful women. It will be an honour to give them more visibility”.

“The best advice I could give to a woman starting her career? ‘Whatever you do, be different. Don’t try to imitate a man, be more ambitious. Be persevering and trust yourself. Excellence is the best way to defeat sexism but don’t fear failure. Dare and get what you want as an independent woman who does not let herself influenced by what others might think’. – Leticia Carbajo, Managing Director of Moneytrans Spain.”

#BalanceforBetter #IWD2019 #FutureisFemale #WomenRights #GenderEquality

At Moneytrans , we want to draw attention to the need for gender equality, not only on International Women’s Day but also every day of the year. Everyone deserves to have access to the same opportunities, far from sexist discriminations. Women and men from all over the world, this is our moment, the moment to act against gender inequality!

At Moneytrans, we want to add our grain of sand by highlighting initiatives that promote education, women’s empowerment and global integration and we are open to collaborate. We are not just a money transfer company, we are much more. Discover all the actions that we carry and JOIN OUR CHALLENGES!

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International Women's Day Speech In English For All Kinds of Students

International women's day speech: international women's day (march 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. read this article to find some creative samples of short and long for the special occasion..

International Women’s Day 2023: Every year on March 8, the world observes International Women's Day (IWD), a day set aside to raise awareness of issues pertaining to women's rights, including gender equality, the right to an abortion, and violence and abuse against women.

"Empowering women is not just a goal, it's a necessity." Let's celebrate the achievements of women and work towards creating a world where every woman can thrive . . . #NariShakti #InternationalWomensDay2023 #AmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/O3xVIb8vXY — Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) March 7, 2023

All kinds of public and private organizations enthusiastically observe International Women's Day. Several competitions, including ones for speeches, singing, and dancing, are scheduled for the celebration. Check out the list of women's day speech topics below if you're still looking for ideas. Also, check out some tips on to deliver a memorable speech.

Topics/Ideas for Speech on International Women’s Day 2023

• History of International Women’s Day
• International Women’s Day: All About Its Modern-Day Celebrations
• International Women’s Day and its Significance
• International Women’s Day and its Prominence in World History
• International Women’s Day and its Theme
• Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
• Importance of International Women’s Day for Gender Equality
• International Women’s Day and its Socio-Economic Importance

How to Write an Impressive Speech for International Women’s Day 2023?

• Before giving a speech on International Women’s Day 2023, the students should take some time to relax and think about the points they can make that will be interesting to everyone in the audience.
• Intersperse the main points of your International Women’s Day speech with some inspirational quotes. In addition to expressing their gratitude for being given the opportunity to speak at the event, the students should start their speeches by extending greetings to any dignitaries, teachers, and other students who are present.
• The speech's length must be suitable and should not tyre the audience. It must also be pertinent, brief, unambiguous, and free of filler.
• The speech should be revised as needed in the final moments, and should only be finalized after a careful reading. Last but not least, before giving a speech, practice a lot and project confidence.

International Women’s Day Short Speech in English

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.”- Melinda Gates

Professors, Chief Guest, and my cherished friends. Everyone is cordially welcomed. I feel privileged to offer a concise but motivational speech on this historic occasion about women's day. On March 8, people around the world celebrate International Women's Day to honour women's achievements in a variety of fields. Women are just as productive as men in almost every area of life today.

The goal of International Women's Day is to promote the idea that people of all genders ought to be treated equally. The day's goals were to highlight the many facets of a woman's existence in a male-dominated environment in order to shift people's perceptions globally and have a positive impact on the entire world.

Women's jobs were previously limited to housework only. Everyone, including some women, was taught that women's roles are restricted to domestic responsibilities. This idea discouraged women from considering or going to work.

The stereotypes about what women can and cannot do regularly target them, which is why we need a women's day. Data indicate that women continue to face discrimination from others and have less access to education than men. Men are still permitted to make important choices that have an impact on women, such as abortion, and pay is still based on a person's gender. Furthermore, there are still significant influences that are disregarded. Therefore, we need a day to start discussions and create open agendas that demand attention from all over the world.

In four out of every five cases, harassment is directed at women. They are particularly susceptible to domestic abuse and sexual assault when they are young. Every day, over 30,000 girls are forced into child marriages, and other kids are the victims of illegal trafficking and female genocidal acts.

Greetings to Everyone here! International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It’s a day for celebrating women who work hard every day to achieve personal and professional goals.

The goal of gender equality is being approached globally. It's progressing in the direction of gender equality. As Change is both necessary and crucial for a country's development. Men have historically enjoyed greater privileges in all areas of society. And we must all receive equal rights and opportunities because we are all members of the human race, so that must change.

Women are no longer reliant on men to meet their financial needs. She can take care of herself because she is strong and independent. Women all over the world now have the freedom that enables them to be financially independent thanks to this change. They have self-confidence and don't hesitate to push all the limits necessary to complete their tasks.

International women’s Day gives a chance to appreciate all small and big decisions. It’s a day to acknowledge the value and importance of women in all spheres of life. 

Thank You and have a very Happy International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women Who were the ‘Firsts’ in their Field in 2022

Every year, the adage "women run the world" is proven to be more true. Women all over the world are making significant contributions that are changing the world. They are working very hard and breaking every glass ceiling in the world, but still, they suffer the most.

Women today hold the highest positions in every industry and carry the most incredible responsibilities in human history. Males are increasingly coming forward to support women's empowerment initiatives, just as women did in the 1800s.

Without a doubt, modern women have a better quality of life than women in the past. However, issues still need to be resolved. Women still work twice as hard as men do while making less money, despite their efforts. To accomplish their sincere objectives, they put up with cruel torture and intimidation.

On this International Women's Day, let's celebrate all the incredible women in our lives, whether they are your mother, wife, or daughter. Let's show our admiration for their accomplishments and dedication to creating a world where women are free from all injustices.

Long Speech on International Women’s Day 2023

Greetings to my teachers and close friends in the most sincere way possible. I'm overjoyed to give a brief but inspirational speech on women's day. International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th to recognize the accomplishments of women in a variety of fields. In almost every area of life today, women are just as productive as men.

We cannot argue against the zeal and expertise with which they approach everything they do, whether at home or at work. They build not only a community but also themselves. However, history has frequently failed to accurately depict how a woman can be. There must be more than one day designated to celebrate women. Every day should be observed as a day to honour the divinity of women.

Additionally, this day has a brief 109-year history. 15,000 women who protested in New York City in 1909 against issues like low wages, equal opportunities, and no voting rights were recognized by a political party in America.

It was first celebrated on March 8th and was formerly known as National Women's Day. As word of this spread, people all over the world held yearly celebrations. International Women's Day was first recognized by the UN in 1975, and from 1996 on, Women's Day became a theme to honour women in the community.

The goal of International Women's Day is to spread the message that all genders should be treated equally. The day's objectives were to change people's perspectives globally and have a positive impact on the world by highlighting the diverse aspects of a woman's life in a male-dominated environment.

The need for a women's day stems from the fact that stereotypes about what women can and cannot do frequently target them. Data show that women still have less access to education than men, and they still experience discrimination from others.

International Women's Day 2023: 10 Powerful and Greatest Women in Indian History

Every fifth woman experiences harassment. As children, they are incredibly vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual assault. Over 30,000 girls are forced into child marriages every day, and other girls experience female genocides and illegal trafficking.

Unquestionably, modern women live in a better world than women in the past. But there are still problems that need to be fixed. Despite all of their efforts, women still put in twice as much work as men do while earning less money. They put up with horrific torture and intimidation in order to achieve their true goals.

The most extraordinary responsibilities in history are now being carried out by women, who now hold the top positions in every industry. Just as women did in the 1800s, men are now stepping up to support women's empowerment initiatives.

Greetings to everyone! As we are all aware, International Women's Day is an occasion to honour the contributions that women have made to society as well as their accomplishments.

Every year on March 8th, people all over the world celebrate International Women's Day, a day devoted to honouring women's accomplishments in a variety of social, political, and cultural fields.

You must be wondering why March 8th is designated as Women's Day. There is, however, a brief 109-year history surrounding it. A political party in America commemorated 15,000 women who demonstrated in New York City in 1909 against issues like low pay, equal opportunities, and no voting rights. Initially observed on March 8th, it was originally known as National Women's Day. As word of this spread, annual celebrations were held all over the world. The United Nations first recognised International Women's Day in 1975, and starting in 1996, it became a theme to honour women in society.

What is the significance of Women's Day now that we are aware of when and who created it? is the logical follow-up question. The primary goal of Women's Day is to honour the contributions made by women in a variety of professions, including those of artist, educator, administrator, politician, and scientist. Awareness-building for women's rights and gender parity is also crucial. We can all agree that no nation has achieved gender equality, but there are still a few places where it is not even a concept. Women do not have equal opportunities everywhere. In some nations, they are not allowed to criticise their treatment or way of life. Girl child abuse is widespread in places where gender-based crimes, such as child marriages, are committed, and all of this discrimination a woman encounters is based on one chromosome.

Therefore, it is crucial to have a Day that reaches out and aids in resolving all forms of discrimination that women face. We all recognise the value of women. They can take on the roles of a loving mother, a daughter, etc. It's crucial to express your love and care for the women in your life on International Women's Day. 

I'd like to end my speech by stating that International Women's Day is devoted to honouring the contributions made by women in the social, cultural, and political spheres. The Day founded by Women aids in bringing awareness to the marginalised status of women's rights and gender parity in some parts of the world. Everyone should recognise the value and significance of women in our lives and throughout the world on this day, which ought to be observed annually. Many thanks.

Team Jagranjosh also extends its congratulations and appreciation to all women on International Women's Day for contributing to the splendor of our world.

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• How do you start a Women's Day Speech? + Always start your speech with Greetings and do not forget to extend gratitude towards all the females in your Life.
• What is the Importance of Women's Day? + The global event known as International Women's Day honours the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. The day serves as a reminder to speed up gender parity.
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• International Women's Day Speech

International Women's Day Speech In English For Students

Celebrating Women, whether professionally or personally, is a sense of commitment to each and every Woman in one's life. Every year on March 8, International Women's Day is commemorated. In much of the country, the Day has been declared a National holiday. Women from all walks of life gather together around the country, spanning cultural and ethnic divides, to commemorate their battle for peace, justice, equality, and progress. International Women's Day is all about valuing oneself and realising one's full potential. Aside from that, Women need to summon the fortitude to overcome all obstacles in all areas of life in order to achieve significant progress. It is a common misconception in society that Women's problems are unimportant.

Vedantu salutes all the Women out there who are doing wonders all around the Globe and making their Nation proud. Vedantu provides one of the top-notch speeches and essays with the exact formal format in a very comfortable language. Students or anyone who wants to know about International Women’s Day or preparing to deliver a speech on the occasion of International Women’s Day can refer to the content from Vedantu.com.

International Women's Day Speech in English For Students

An Organizer, Administrative Leader, Director, Recreator, Partner, Daughter, Health Officer, Teacher, an Artist- a Woman has various roles to play in her life. To celebrate the importance and significance of Women in every person’s life every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March. Women’s Day recognizes and celebrates Women in every field. A Woman has a positive mind and a fierce nature to excel in their respective fields. 

A Women's Day speech in English of 500 words and a short speech on Women's Day of 200 words are given below. 

Women's Day Speech

Greetings to everyone present here. As we all know we are here to celebrate the presence of Women in society and to celebrate their achievements, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year around the world and it’s the Day dedicated to celebrating Women’s achievements in various Social, Political, and Cultural Fields. 

You must be wondering why Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March? Well, there is a brief History around it that goes back 109 years. It was in 1909 when a political party of America celebrated 15,000 Women who protested against various issues like low pay scale, equal opportunities, and lack of voting rights in New York city. Originally it was called National Women’s Day and as the news spread annual celebration was done across the world but it was Russia who set the March 8th date. It was in 1975 that the United Nation recognized International Women’s Day and from 1996 International Women’s Day became a theme to celebrate Women in society. 

Now as we know when and who established it now naturally the next question that arises is what is the significance of Women’s Day?. The main aim of Women’s Day is to celebrate the achievements of Women in various fields and the roles they play which could be that they are an Artist, a Teacher, an Administrator, a Politician, or Scientist. It is also important to raise awareness about Women’s rights and gender parity. We can all agree that no country has achieved gender equality yet there are few places where the concept of gender equality does not even exist. Around the world, Women are not given equal opportunities. There are countries where they are denied to raise a point about their lives and how they are treated. Girl child abuse is common in many places where many crimes like child marriages, gender-based are done and all this discrimination a Woman faces is on the basis of one chromosome. 

For ages, men have had more privileges in every aspect of life in society, which could be good pay scale, social status, or voting rights percentage but now we are living in the 21st century and the world is slowly moving towards gender balance. It’s moving towards equality for both men and Women which could include equal pay scale, social status, and equal voting rights for Women. This change is necessary and it is required around the world because we all are humans and equal opportunities and respect should be given to everyone. 

So it is important to have a Day that reaches out and helps in solving all the discriminations that are happening against Women. As we all know how important Women are. They play various roles which could be a caring mother, a daughter, and so on. On this Day, it’s important to show the Women in your life how much you care about them and how much you love them. 

Educational institutions are now open to celebrate Women’s Day. It’s a sign of progress and they are teaching students to honor and respect a Woman. 

I want to conclude my speech by saying that International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in social, cultural, and political fields. The Day formed by Women helps in bringing attention towards the forgotten Women’s rights and gender parity in a few places around the world. It should be considered a Day where everyone acknowledges the value and the importance of Women in our lives and all around the world. Thank you. 

Short Speech on Women's Day

We are here to celebrate the presence of Women in society and to celebrate their achievements. We are here to celebrate International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year around the world. It is considered to be an important point in the movement of Women’s rights. It is the Day when Women in our lives are recognized for their achievements in their respective fields, which could be an Artist, a Teacher, in Health Care, or an Administrative Leader. 

Celebration of Women’s Day totally ranges from being a public holiday in countries like Afghanistan to being a protest against the injustice done on Women in a few places. To summarize. It’s the Day to celebrate Womanhood around the world. 

As we all know there are few countries where Women are not given equal opportunities and their only role is considered to take care of the house. However, this needs to change because every Woman deserves to shine and equal opportunity should be given to a Woman as it’s given to a Man. 

For ages, Men have had more privileges in every aspect of life in a society which could be pay scale, social status, or voting rights percentage. We are living in the 21st century and the world is slowly moving towards gender balance. It’s moving towards equality for both men and Women which could include equal pay scale, social status, and equal voting rights for Women. This change is necessary and it is required around the world because we all are humans and equal opportunities and respect should be given to everyone. 

I want to conclude my speech by saying that International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Women in social, cultural, and political fields. The Day formed by Women helps in bringing attention towards the forgotten Women’s rights and gender parity in few places around the world. It should be considered a Day where everyone acknowledges the value and the importance of Women in our lives and all around the world. 

 10 Lines on International Women's Day Speech

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year around the world.

It’s the Day dedicated to celebrating Women’s achievements in various social, political, and cultural fields.

The history of why Women’s Day is celebrated goes back to 109 years.  

In 1909 when a sociopolitical party of America celebrated 15,000 Women who protested against various issues like low pay scale, equal opportunities, and lack of voting rights in New york city.

In 1975 the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day and from 1996 International Women’s Day became a theme to celebrate Women in society. 

It is also important to raise awareness about Women’s rights and gender parity.

Female foeticide, child marriage, not giving oppurtunities to study, Child abuse, and rapes are the crimes committed against girl child and Women. 

The Day formed by Women helps in bringing attention towards the forgotten Women’s rights and gender parity in few places around the world. 

It is important to have a Day that reaches out and helps in solving all the discriminations that are happening against Women.

Women’s Day should be considered a Day where everyone acknowledges the value and the importance of Women in our lives and all around the world.  

About Women Empowerment

Empowering Women is a big responsibility, but it's also vital for gender equality. Furthermore, society benefits when Women are treated with respect and are not treated as second-class citizens. Women used to be limited in their houses and were not allowed to leave the house for employment before, but now things have drastically changed.

Their only source of income comes from their domestic obligations. However, civilization has evolved throughout time. Furthermore, this generation has high regard for Women and places a high value on them.

In many sectors, Women are now offered equal opportunities at work and are permitted to compete with, and sometimes even outperform, males. Women have begun to recognise their skills and abilities, and they are ready to walk out of their homes and contribute to the prosperity of their families and society as a whole.

Women are undoubtedly turning the world's attention to them. Also, it was previously impossible, but it is now doable, and they are doing so now. Women are achieving incredible heights and even travelling to space, as can be seen.

Furthermore, they are joining every field and succeeding in all of them, demonstrating their abilities. The most efficient approach to enhance communities, corporations, and countries is for Women to participate.

Furthermore, Women's participation strengthens peace accords, strengthens society, and makes economies more dynamic.

FAQs on International Women's Day Speech

1. How to conclude an International Women’s Day speech in a concise manner?

Make a solid first impression.

This suggestion may be used in any speech, not just those for Women's Day. A great introduction interests the listener and provides them with a sense of your speech's direction. You can try several starting techniques depending on the circumstances of your speech.

Include facts to back up your claims.

When crafting a speech about gender equality in school, work, and other areas, you should include relevant facts. Being as informative as possible is usually a good idea. This demonstrates that you completed your homework and are thus credible.

Keep an eye on the structure.

The structure of a speech is quite important. Unlike something written, your audience won't be able to go back to what you said if they get lost.

2. Why is Women's Day celebrated?

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate progress toward gender equality and Women's empowerment, as well as to critically reflect on those achievements and seek more momentum toward gender equality throughout the world. It's a Day to celebrate Women's outstanding achievements and to unite as a force to advance gender equality throughout the world. Empowering Women is a big responsibility, but it's also vital for gender equality. Furthermore, society benefits when Women are treated with respect and are not treated as second-class citizens. Women used to be limited in their houses and were not allowed to leave the house for employment.

3. When is Women's Day celebrated? 

On March 8th, we commemorate International Women's Day around the world to highlight Women's accomplishments in numerous sectors. This event honours the achievements of female individuals who have excelled in their respective disciplines. Women have undoubtedly contributed greatly to the well-being of society and the country since then. Moreover, Women's Day holds a great deal of significance, and it has become a yearly tradition. Furthermore, this commemoration is a show of respect, love, and concern for Women in our lives and in society.

In addition, Women's Day is also being observed in schools and universities. This will teach respect and care for Women in the minds of future generations, beginning with their youth.

4. How did Women’s Day come into consideration?

International Women's Day originated from the efforts of labor organizations across North America and Europe at the start of the twentieth century. The Socialist Party of America established the inaugural National Woman's Day on February 28, 1909, in remembrance of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, during which Women protested against poor working conditions. On the final Sunday in February in 1917, Russian Women opted to protest and strike under the slogan "Bread and Peace" (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their campaign eventually resulted in the implementation of Women's suffrage in Russia.

5. How was International Women’s Day adopted by the United Nations?

The United Nations Charter became the first International accord to recognize the ideal of gender equality in 1945. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations commemorated the first official International Women's Day on March 8th. Two years later, in December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace, to be marked by the Member States on any day of the year in line with their historical and national traditions.

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Executive Secretary

Opening remarks at International Women’s Day (2020)

09 March 2020

Excellencies, Distinguished representatives, Generation Equality change-makers, Colleagues, A very warm welcome to the 2020 Asia-Pacific commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Today, it my honour to host you along with the colleagues from UN Women for this important occasion. We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and girls across the region and beyond.

Asia and the Pacific region has made great achievement in raising women’s economic empowerment, political participation, leadership and decision-making power. We have also witnessed remarkable progress in education and health. Furthermore, 47 countries in the region have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and 33 countries now have strategies on gender equality.

Importantly, with the strengthening of strong legal and institutional foundations, the countries in our region have adopted progressive measures to ratify laws and regulations. Action is taken to prevent violence against women and to provide land rights.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, You may recall the Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Beijing+25 that took place in Bangkok last November adopted an ambitious forward-looking Declaration which strengthens the region’s commitment to action on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This list of emerging factors slowing the progress of gender equality and women’s empowerment include:

First, substantial gender gaps continue to deprive women and girls of opportunities. We continue to remain off-target to achieve SDG 5 on gender equality. Worryingly, progress on some of the gender indicators has either stagnated or deteriorated over the past few years.

Second, better educational outcomes and economic growth have still not translated into more and better jobs for women. Women’s labour force participation rates have stagnated and even declined in some subregions over the past five years.

Third, women are being disproportionately impacted due to climate change and environmental depletion, which has reduced food security and increased threats to livelihood. The natural disaster events have further increased pressures on women’s time, income, health, nutrition and social support systems.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me highlight three areas of our engagement to strengthen our programme support for gender equality and women’s empowerment:

First, we promote women’s entrepreneurship as a catalyst for advancing women’s economic empowerment. Our initiatives contribute to enabling policy environments that increase women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and digital technologies.

Second, encouraging women’s active participation in leadership and decision-making is another of our priority. We at the UN have prepared a report that highlights key pathways to women’s transformative leadership. If we strengthen women’s capabilities and their access to resources, the prospect of leadership roles will be within reach for many more women in this region.

Finally, high-quality, timely, and sex-disaggregated data is very crucial for informed policymaking. We support countries to design and implement evidence-based, gender-sensitive policies and programmes through policy-data integration tools.

Going forward, UN ESCAP stands ready to work with UN Women and other UN agencies to realize our collective vision to leave no one behind at all levels to push the boundaries forward for women and girls. I am also delighted to note that this year’s commemoration has been designed as an interactive dialogue with young change-makers. I am pleased to see our younger generations picking up the baton so confidently, to galvanize our collective efforts for realizing women’s rights.

On this International Women’s Day, let us rejuvenate our efforts for a better world - realizing equal rights for women and men, girls and boys everywhere.

Thank you for your attention and I wish you a successful commemorative event.

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Furthermore, women’s day clutches a great significance and it becoming a custom year after year. Moreover, this celebration is a sign of appreciation, respect, love, and care towards women in our lives and in society.

In addition, I am glad that schools and colleges now celebrate women’s day. This will instill respect and care for women in the mind of the young generation, right from their childhood days.

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Empowering Women

It is a great responsibility to empower women also it is necessary for gender equality. Moreover, society is better when women are given equal respect and are not taken for granted. In the past, women were restricted in homes and were not permissible to step out of the house for work.

Their household responsibilities are their only area of work. But with time society has seen many changes. Furthermore, this generation trust and values women with great responsibility.

Now, women are given equal opportunity at work and are allowed to stand among and at times ahead of men in many fields. Women today have begun realizing their strengths and abilities are ready to step out of their homes, contributing to the success of their home and the entire society.

Women are indeed making the world turn heads towards them. Also, it was not possible before but now it is possible and they are doing it today. And you can see that women are reaching great heights and even traveling to space.

In addition, they are entering into every field and are making success in all of them proving what they are capable of. The participation of women is the most effective way to lift communities, companies, and countries.

In addition, the participation of women’s make peace agreements stronger, societies more strong, and economies more dynamic.

Independence of Women

The modern women are no longer dependent on men. She is independent and self-confident in every aspect and is capable of doing everything equal to men. Also, we should respect each of them not because of gender, but for their own identity.

Furthermore, we have to accept that both women and men contribute equally to the betterment of the home and society. Women are the one who brings life. And every woman is extraordinary, no matter where she works whether it’s a home or office.

They are making a difference to the world around her, and most importantly, they play a vital role in the upbringing of children and making a home. Our responsibility is to honor and appreciate the women who are making success in their lives and bringing success into the life of other women and those around her.

Besides, movements and a significant rise in International Women’s Day activities in every corner of the world and many more female-focused days and initiatives around the globe are constantly working to liberalize the women.

We are moving towards an exhilarating time in history where the world accepts gender balance. Now the world notices their absence and celebrates their presence.

To conclude, it feels nice to have a day to celebrate the achievements of women. Thus, on this international women’s day, let’s recognize the significance of women in our lives and on society and inspire them for greater future achievements. As they can contribute equally to the home, society, and nation.

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The Greatest Speeches Given by Women, for Women

Because words have the power to evoke emotions and transform the course of history

Speeches throughout history, and the careful articulation of words have the power to evoke emotional responses. They have the power to transform arguments into persuasive messages that compel listeners to take action.

And that's what these inspirational women have done. So as we celebrate International Women's Day, we've rounded up the most inspirational speeches that have shifted the course of history for women for the better.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1850 – 1982)

Writer and women’s rights activist, “our girls” , 1880.

“The coming girl is to be healthy, wealthy, and wise. She is to hold an equal place with her brother in the world of work, in the colleges, in the state, the church and the home. Her sphere is to be no longer bounded by the prejudices of a dead past, but by her capacity to go wherever she can stand. The coming girl is to be an independent, self-supporting being, not as to-day a helpless victim of fashion, superstition, and absurd conventionalisms.”

Emmeline Pankhurst  (1858 - 1928)

Women's rights activist and leading suffragette, freedom of death, 1913.

“I am here as a soldier who has temporarily left the field of battle in order to explain - it seems strange it should have to be explained - what civil war is like when civil war is waged by women. I am not only here as a soldier temporarily absent from the field at battle; I am here - and that, I think, is the strangest part of my coming - I am here as a person who, according to the law courts of my country, it has been decided, is of no value to the community at all; and I am adjudged because of my life to be a dangerous person, under sentence of penal servitude in a convict prison…If we win it, this hardest of all fights, then, to be sure in the future it is going to be made easier for women all over the world to win their fight when their time comes.”

Margaret Sanger (1879 – 1966)

Women’s rights activist and social reformer, the morality of birth control, 1921.

“We ask the church to have more confidence in women. We ask the opponents of this movement to reverse the methods of the church, which aims to keep women moral by keeping them in fear and in ignorance, and to inculcate into them a higher and truer morality based upon knowledge. And ours is the morality of knowledge. If we cannot trust woman with the knowledge of her own body, then I claim that two thousand years of Christian teaching has proved to be a failure.

“We stand on the principle that birth control should be available to every adult man and woman. We believe that every adult man and woman should be taught the responsibility and the right use of knowledge. We claim that woman should have the right over her own body and to say if she shall or if she shall not be a mother, as she sees fit. We further claim that the first right of a child is to be desired. While the second right is that it should be conceived in love, and the third, that it should have a heritage of sound health.”

Bell Hooks (1952 – 2021)

Author and social activist, feminism is for everybody, 2000.

“Imagine living in a world where there is no domination, where females and males are not alike or even always equal, but where a vision of mutuality is the ethos shaping our interaction. Imagine living in a world where we can all be who we are, a world of peace and possibility. Feminist revolution alone will not create such a world; we need to end racism, class elitism, imperialism. But it will make it possible for us to be fully self-actualized females and males able to create beloved community, to live together, realizing our dreams of freedom and justice, living the truth that we are all “created equal.” Come closer. See how feminism can touch and change your life and all our lives. Come closer and know first-hand what feminist movement is all about. Come closer and you will see: feminism is for everybody.”

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) 

Women’s and civil rights activist, ain’t i a woman 1851.

“That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?”

Queen Elizabeth II (1953 – 1603)

Queen of england, on the spanish armada, 1958.

'I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.'

Malala Yousafzai (1997 – )

Female education activist, nobel lecture, 2017.

“We wanted to make our parents proud and prove that we could also excel in our studies and achieve those goals, which some people think only boys can.But things did not remain the same. When I was in Swat, which was a place of tourism and beauty, suddenly changed into a place of terrorism. I was just ten that more than 400 schools were destroyed. Women were flogged. People were killed. And our beautiful dreams turned into nightmares.

“Education went from being a right to being a crime. Girls were stopped from going to school. When my world suddenly changed, my priorities changed too. I had two options. One was to remain silent and wait to be killed. And the second was to speak up and then be killed. I chose the second one. I decided to speak up.”

Emma Watson (1990 – )

Actor, feminist and humanitarian, heforshe launch campaign, 2014.

“We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes but I can see that that they are and that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence. If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.

“Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong…It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are—we can all be freer and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom.

“I want men to take up this mantle. So their daughters, sisters and mothers can be free from prejudice but also so that their sons have permission to be vulnerable and human too – reclaim those parts of themselves they abandoned and in doing so be a more true and complete version of themselves.”

Sylvia Rivera (1951 - 2002)

Lgbtq activist, y’all better quiet down, 1973.

“Y’all better quiet down. I’ve been trying to get up here all day for your gay brothers and your gay sisters in jail. Have you ever been beaten up and raped and jailed? Now think about it. They’ve been beaten up and raped…. The women have tried to fight for their sex changes or to become women…. they do not write women, they do not write men, they write ‘STAR’ because we’re trying to do something for them.

“I have been to jail. I have been raped. And beaten. Many times! By men, heterosexual men that do not belong in the homosexual shelter. But do you do anything for me? No. You tell me to go and hide my tail between my legs. I will not put up with this shit. I have been beaten. I have had my nose broken. I have been thrown in jail. I have lost my job. I have lost my apartment for gay liberation and you all treat me this way?”

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Speech on International Women’s Day Inspiring Speech for Women’s Day

Reported by Anjali

Published on 14 August 2024

International Women’s Day Speech : Women’s Day is celebrated around the world every year to embed an idea of the importance of Women. On International Women’s Day, various seminars and programs are arranged to signify the presence and importance of women. Speeches form a major part of Women’s Day events.

An influential speech represents your impact on the audience and puts your agenda first. Words do have a voice of their own, and it matters when you are describing a shared purpose of raising women’s power. So, if you are also looking for one of such influential speeches, we have it here for you.

We are here to present you a speech on International Women’s Day for anyone addressing or representing women. The speech will help you represent women’s power in different aspects and represent our shared purpose.

Speech on International Women’s Day

Good Morning to all the honourable guests, ladies and Gentleman

“It’s a great pleasure to celebrate this International Women’s Day with you all and share my thoughts on this day”.

“ Women are the real architect of the Society.” -Harriet Beecher Stowe

As Harriet Beecher Stowe, a famous American author, says, women really do build a society. They build not only themselves but a whole community. Yet history has often failed women to represent what a woman can be. There cannot be just a day to celebrate a woman. Every day should be a day where we respect the divinity of women.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year with huge enthusiasm worldwide to celebrate women’s achievements in social, political, economic, and other fields of life. Today, women rule almost every field of life and work at par with men. We cannot deny, that, be it at home or work, they do it all with so much zeal and ace in each one of it in their way.

International Women’s Day was observed for the first time in 1911. Since then, every year on the 8th of March, womanhood is celebrated worldwide to honour all the astounding women in our lives and all the extraordinary women history has witnessed. This day is particularly observed to acknowledge the achievements of women in various aspects of life.

International Women’s day was created to put forward and express an idea to the world that each gender deserves to be treated equally. The day aimed to present the aspects of women’s life in a man’s world. To create changes in the mindset of the world. To create a positive impact on the world.

But why do we need a Women’s Day?

There’s a need to celebrate a women’s day because women are often subjected to preconceived perceptions of what they can do and what they cannot. They face biased behaviour of people and statistics show that education availability for women is still lower than for men.

Every four out of five women faces harassment at one point in her life. They are so many times likely to be a victim of Domestic Violence and sexual abuse in childhood. More than thirty thousand girls are forced into child marriage every single day and others get subjected to illegal trafficking and female genocides.

Pay according to gender continues, and men are still allowed to make major decisions about women, like abortion. In addition to this, other persisting factors still go unrecognized. So, we clearly need a day to start conversations and open agendas that need global attention.

“We share a common future and we are here to find a common ground so that we may help bring new dignity and respect to women and girls all over the world.” Hillary Clinton

Women’s journey from protesting on the streets to making the world celebrate International Women’s day was not easy. We celebrate this day today only because of the historical footsteps of great women who fought for their rights. So, when did this all-women movement, standing up for themselves, start? Let me take you back in time to be more grateful for the world you have today.

Women’s activism, or the fight for Women to attain equal rights, dates back to the late 1800s when the women of that time were fighting to get the right to vote for the leader of their choice. Also, there was a demand for the right of women to work and be a part of various training programmes, but till that time, women’s voices were treated inconsiderately. Women were not allowed to make their point and have a say in anything from politics to economics. They were not even allowed to speak at conferences.

So, the first campaign to provide equal rights to women started on 28th February 1908. An all-women strike by the garment workers against the working conditions these women were subjected to. It started with a basic labour movement, but the voices of those women left a mark at the beginning of a journey of self-respect.

Several other movements led by the suffragists and suffragettes of the Socialist Party of America in 1911 were witnessed in Western countries. Their movements did make an impact, and in 1919, women were given voting rights because of the support Congress got from these women during World War I.

It was only during the era of 1970s that the long fight for women’s rights became impactful enough to create an intensified movement. The demand for equal rights became strong, feminist action became powerful, and rallying became a common way to express disapproval against the patriarchal laws of Society. A decade later, women started switching roles and fixed themselves to men’s jobs, thriving to be considered equivalent to men and showing that the world does not require a gender label to do certain jobs. Well, they succeeded!

With the uprise of the new era, in the new millennial, the focus shifted to the organizations and made them more adaptive to women employees. Women were everywhere, in industries, science, and politics. There were women’s conferences, and this all-women network hugely enhanced with time. The world progressed, new visions were adapted, and a different insight was given a place.

Major companies started to include the female workforce and diversify their organizations, breaking gender stereotypes and biasing. It was only due to the constant efforts of the women community which paved the path for the acceptance of the other diversified genders and brought it to the attention of people that other gender groups like LGBTQ also deserve the rights similar to each one of us. The world actually started evaluating discrimination .

Women today definitely live in a better world than the women belonging to history. But there still are things that need to be addressed. Despite all the efforts, today, an average woman spends double the time working compared to men. They face atrocities of rape and intimidation for achieving what they truly desire.

Today, women hold the topmost positions in every sector and play the best roles in history. Now, men are standing up as allies to work for the upliftment of women, which is exactly what women from the 1800s would have imagined the world to be.

Why March 8th?

Only after World War II was International Women’s Day recognized to be celebrated officially. The date was chosen on the 8th of March to pay tribute to the great women’s revolution in Russia, which took place on 23 Feb 1917 (gregorian calendar), i.e., march as per the European calendar. So, the date was chosen. The United Nations acknowledged Women’s Day officially in 1977, two years after the declaration of the International Year of Women. The General Assembly legally adopted the resolution, claiming a UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Every year, the UN sets up a theme for International Women’s Day. For this year, the United Nations Women have set up the theme as “Women for Tomorrow”. The theme covers and recognizes the efforts of women and the roles women played during the time of the Global Pandemic.

Women healthcare workers formed an important workforce in providing aid to people suffering from a pandemic. The women leaders of countries like New Zealand, Finland and Ethiopia have been recognized widely for their effective decision-making and actions to control the Pandemic.

Today, movements like #me too have created a mass movement, where each woman stands up equal to a man, without any fear. Women are empowered to say and many women are now in the lead roles but there are still others who get neglected. Women in different areas of life, still feel judged negatively and are largely influenced by the responsibility of caregiving.

So, this International Day, let us all show appreciation, respect, and love, to all the incredible women in our lives, be it your mother, wife, or daughter. Let us show, that we are proud of their efforts and pledge to create a world where women do not have to face any affliction!

When was the first Women’s Day celebrated?

The first women’s day is known to be celebrated in  1911 , on March 19, as a tribute to the revolution of 1848, where women demanded the right to work.

When were women granted the right to vote?

It was only during  1917-1919  that women were finally given the right to vote in Russia and Europe.

Are women equal in Sustainable Development Goals?

Yes, Women empowerment forms Goal 5 of the SDGs, to attain gender equality and empower women and girls as the  2030  Agenda.

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• Women’s Day Speech

1. Empowering Women! “Good morning to all the Excellencies and my friends, as we all gathered here to celebrate this event, I would like to speech on the topic of women empowerment in India. Empowering women in India is very necessary to bring gender equality or we can say that gender equality is very necessary to empower women.Gender equality is the first step to bring women empowerment in India. Men should not understand that women are made only to handle household chores or take responsibility of home and family. Instead, both (men and women) are responsible for everything of daily routine. Men too need to understand their responsibility of home and family and all other works women do so that women can get some time to think about themselves and their career. Women should also identify their strengths and abilities, and move towards a world of empowerment. On the event of Women’s Day, let us all promise to create a better world to live in. Thank you.”

2. Saluting Her Contribution to the Society!! “First of all I would like to say good morning to all my teachers and friends. I would like to say thank to my class teacher to give me this opportunity to speech in front of you at this great occasion of International Women’s Day. On this day, huge sentiments are expressed about the power of women and many proverbs and poems directed towards women. It is really nice to have a special day for women where they are glorified to a point of being honored, awarded, and appreciated. Then why is that after so much awareness and acknowledgement of a woman’s contribution to life ,society, family and work; saluting her strength, resilience, sacrifice she still is considered only second to men and treated like a second rate citizen ? This is because for generations, it has been ingrained among women that they are not capable of doing most things. Women empowerment lies in honoring yourself and treating yourself with respect. “No one can put you down without your permission,” Eleanor Roosevelt. Thank you.”

3. Women’s Day: Building the World a better Place To Live! “International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8, recognizing and appreciating women’s political, economic and social achievements over the decades. Woman’s Day was first observed in 1909 in the United States and it is only in 1977 that the United Nations officially declared International Women’s Day celebration on March 8. An event which started as a political affair has evolved over the years and is now celebrated by gifting flowers, greeting cards and gifts to women in most regions. International Women’s Day is also an official holiday in several countries like Belarus, Armenia, Albania, Brazil, and Cameroon. On this occasion, we should endeavor building a better world where men and women live harmoniously, free of violence and discrimination.”

4. Women a Full Circle!! A heart-warming Good morning to everybody present here, here we have all gathered to celebrate women’s day and to celebrate the achievement of women and the strength to fight with whatever comes in her way. Over the years the essence of women’s day celebration has evolved and has taken up an all together novel form. A woman in herself is a full circle and complete within herself she has inside her the potency to fight for whatever is right! Her strength, I would like to illustrate her statement with an anecdote. There was a warm egg in the nest of an eagle which was about to hatch, and then a farmer who lived nearby took out the egg and kept it with his hen’s eggs which were also about to hatch. After quite some time the gets hatched and they started following their mother and tried as much as to be the way their mother was. The point here to note is that that the baby eagle never knew that it was from eagle family. Though their mother had realised the eagle’s different behaviour but she never acknowledged it. One day the baby eagle saw an eagle flying powerfully high into the sky and it was amazed at the strength she was possessing and wished to be an eagle in the next birth so as to have such unwavering strength. The baby eagle never realised its strength for it always believed that it belonged to the hen’s family. The, gist of the story says that we women are the baby eagles born to an eagle’s family not knowing that we possess the same strength as that of the eagle’s family. Stop believing women, Start living; Living your life on your terms, it’s high time!!

6. Unite to Fight: The Cause of Women Empowerment! Hello everyone, I am feeling obliged to have got an opportunity to speak on this auspicious and encouraging day of the year. The first lesson that all of us learn start only at home and the rest follows with the kind of attitude we have got instilled in us. Inclusive support if we say, that includes each one of us including the men. We together can start with the empowerment right at home, you don’t need to learn a lesson for it. For instance we can encourage the ladies at our home, our mother, sisters, and wives to pursue their dreams and excel in their career. A wholehearted support, be it however trivial, will boost their self confidence and will have a transforming impact on the women’ way of life. They can only come out of the pathetic situations that we humans have created. Let’s fight it together!! Together we will over any big problem!!

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International Women’s Day Speech: Best Speeches For Women’s Day

International Women’s Day Speech: International Women’s Day is around the corner. If students or anyone, who wants to deliver a speech on the occasion of International Women’s Day, here are some of the best International Women’s Day speech samples!

International Women’s Day Speech in English For Students (500 Words)  

Greetings to everyone present here. On the occasion of International Women’s day, we have gathered today to celebrate Women and their achievements. On 8th March of every year, people around the world dedicate this day to celebrate Women’s achievements across different spheres of life. From social to political to cultural to personal, people celebrate every achievement of women! It is also an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, and reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide.

In case you are wondering why International Women’s Day is celebrated only on 8th March, then here is the answer! The history of Women’s Day goes back to the year 1909. In 1909, an American political party celebrated 15,000 women who took to the roads and protested against various issues like unequal opportunities, unequal wages, and lack of voting rights. Though the day was originally called National Women’s Day, as the news spread the celebration turned into an annual affair across the world. But, it was Russia, who set March 8th as the day to celebrate International Women’s Day. It was only in 1975 when the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day and from 1996 International Women’s Day became a theme to celebrate Women in society. 

The major significance of Women’s Day is to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields. From artists to teachers to businesswomen to politicians to scientists to many more! But, this day is also important to raise awareness about Women’s rights and gender equality. It is quite heartbreaking how even in the 21st century, many countries are struggling with gender inequality. Women are still not offered equal opportunities as men. Female foeticide and women & girls abuse are still prevalent across the world. It is very disappointing how women face all the discrimination because of an X chromosome.

For many years, men have enjoyed unfair privileges in various aspects of life: be it better pay scale or social status or better opportunities. But now, as times are changing, the world is striving hard to treat women and men equally. This change is necessary because all humans deserve equal opportunities – irrespective of their gender.

On this day, it is very important to show women in our lives how much we care for them! Be it our mothers, sisters, friends, or peers, we should make an effort to celebrate them and their great achievements!

I want to conclude my speech by saying that International Women’s Day is a reminder that we all are born equal. And, no woman or girl deserves to be treated less than a man! Let’s take a pledge that we would treat all men and women equally! Thank You!

ALSO READ: 20 Inspiring International Women’s Day Quotes

International women’s day speech in english for students (short speech: 200-300 words).

Greetings to everyone! In order to celebrate women, professionally and personally, it has become a custom across the world to celebrate International Women’s Day. On March 8, of every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world. In some countries, the day has been declared as a National holiday too.

On this day, women from different walks of life gather together to celebrate their battle for equality, justice, and peace. This day, the world celebrates many women achievers, who against all the odds, managed to overcome all the difficult situations in their life to achieve great milestones.

Even though it is the 21st century, men and women are treated differently. Even today, women are treated lesser than men. They are not given equal opportunities as men. And, hence it is much more important to celebrate International Women’s Day to remember how women are scaling new heights despite our regressive society. International Women’s Day is a great way to change society’s mindset that treats women lesser than men. Leaders like Indra Nooyi , Melinda Gates , Sheryl Sandberg, Oprah Winfrey , and many more have shown the world that women can achieve anything, if given equal opportunities. We salute every woman, who is fighting for justice and equality and making this world a better place.

International Women’s Day Speech in English For Students (Short Speech: 200-300 Words) 

Greetings to everyone present here. On 8th March of every year, people around the world dedicate this day to celebrate Women’s achievements across different spheres of life. From social to political to cultural to personal, people celebrate every achievement of women! It is also an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment and reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide.

The history of Women’s Day goes back to the year 1909. In 1909, an American political party celebrated 15,000 women who took to the roads and protested against various issues like unequal opportunities, unequal wages, and lack of voting rights. But, it was only in 1975 when the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day and from 1996, International Women’s Day became a theme to celebrate Women in society. 

The major significance of Women’s Day is to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields. But, this day is also important to raise awareness about Women’s rights and gender equality. It is quite heartbreaking how even in the 21st century, many countries are struggling with gender inequality.

For many years, men have enjoyed unfair privileges in various aspects of life. But, now, as time is changing, the world is striving to treat women and men equally. This change is necessary because all humans deserve equal opportunities irrespective of their gender.

ALSO READ: 10 Strong Women Who Inspired Us This Women’s Day

 10 lines on international women’s day speech for students or others.

1. International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year across the world. 2. This day is dedicated to celebrating Women’s achievements across different spheres of life. 3. In 1909, an American political party celebrated 15,000 women who took to the roads and protested against various issues like unequal opportunities, unequal wages, and lack of voting rights.   4. It was only in 1975 when the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day and from 1996, International Women’s Day became a theme to celebrate Women in society.  5. The significance of Women’s Day is to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields. 6. This day is also important to raise awareness about Women’s rights and gender equality. 7. It is quite heartbreaking how even in the 21st century, many countries are struggling with gender inequality. Women are still not offered equal opportunities as men. 8. Female foeticide and abuse against women and girls are still prevalent across the world. It is very disappointing how women face all the discrimination because of an X chromosome. 9. For many years, men have enjoyed unfair privileges in various aspects of life. But now, the times are changing. 10. International Women’s Day is a reminder that we all are born equal. And, no woman or girl deserves to be treated less than a man!

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International Women’s Day Speech – Check out the 10 Lines, Short and Long Speech sample here!

International Women’s Day Speech: Honoring women in one’s life shows devotion to each and every woman in it, whether professionally or individually. International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 each year. The Day has been proclaimed a national holiday in much of the nation. Women from all walks of life come together across cultural and racial divisions all around the nation to remember their struggle for peace, justice, equality, and development. The main themes of International Women’s Day are self-worth and reaching one’s full potential. In addition, in order for women to make substantial advancements in all facets of life, they must summon the strength to conquer all challenges. Read the article and find the different samples of speech on International Women’s day here.

Table of Contents

10 Lines Speech on International Women’s Day 

• International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year.
• It is a day to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
• The day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights.
• This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge,” encouraging everyone to challenge gender bias and inequality.
• Women have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still much work to be done.
• International Women’s Day is recognized by the United Nations and is celebrated in many countries around the world.
• The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about women’s issues and inspire action toward positive change.
• It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and highlight their contributions to society.
• Women from all walks of life have played a critical role in shaping history and creating a more equitable world.
• On International Women’s Day, let us commit to supporting and uplifting women everywhere, and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Short Speech on International Women’s Day 

Professors, the Chief Guest, and dear friends of mine. We sincerely welcome everyone. I feel honored to speak briefly yet powerfully on this historic occasion of Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 to recognize the accomplishments of women in a range of disciplines. Today, women are equally productive as men in practically all spheres of life.

The purpose of International Women’s Day is to advance the notion that individuals of all genders deserve equal treatment. In order to change people’s perspectives worldwide and have a beneficial impact on the entire world, the day’s objectives were to highlight the various dimensions of a woman living in a male-dominated atmosphere.

Traditionally, women could only be employed for housekeeping. Everyone was taught that women’s roles are limited to household duties, including some women. Women were deterred from considering or going to work by this concept.

We need a women’s day because misconceptions about what women can and cannot do frequently target them. According to statistics, women still experience prejudice from other people and have less access to education than men. Men are still allowed to make significant decisions that affect women, like abortion, and compensation is still determined by a person’s gender. Additionally, there are still important factors that are ignored. As a result, we require a day to initiate conversations and formulate open agendas that compel global attention.

The most enormous obligations in human history are carried by women now, who hold the greatest positions in every industry. Similar to how women did in the 1800s, more and more men are stepping up to support programs for women’s empowerment.

Women today unquestionably live better lives than women in the past. Yet problems still need to be fixed. Notwithstanding their efforts, women continue to put in twice as much work as men do while earning less money. They tolerate terrible torture and intimidation in order to achieve their real goals.

Let’s honor all the amazing ladies in our life on this International Women’s Day, whether they are your mother, wife, or daughter. Let’s express our gratitude for their efforts and commitment to making the world a place where women are free from all injustices.

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Long Speech on International Women’s Day 

Dear distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is an honor to address you all on this special occasion of International Women’s Day. Today, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world and recognize the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights.

According to Harriet Beecher Stowe, a well-known American author, women truly do build societies. They construct not just themselves, but also an entire community. But, history has many times failed to portray what a woman can be. There cannot be just one day to honor women. Every day should be a day when we honor women’s divinity.

Every year, millions of people throughout the world celebrate International Women’s Day to honor women’s achievements in social, political, economic, and other spheres. Women now govern practically every aspect of life and work on par with men. We cannot deny that, whether at home or at business, they do everything with zeal and ace in their own manner.

The past year has been a challenging one for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for women. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the gender inequalities that exist in our society and has disproportionately affected women in many ways. Women have been at the frontlines of the pandemic, working in healthcare, education, and essential services. They have also taken on the majority of caregiving responsibilities at home, as schools and childcare facilities have closed.

Despite these challenges, women have continued to make significant contributions to society. We have seen women leading the fight against the pandemic, in positions of political leadership, and in the arts, sciences, and business. Women have also been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting for racial equality and an end to police brutality.

On this day, let us recognize the inspiring women who have paved the way for progress, and let us pledge to continue the work of building a more just and equitable world for all women. Let us also acknowledge the intersectionality of women’s experiences, recognizing that women face discrimination and inequality based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about women’s issues and inspire action toward positive change. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and highlight their contributions to society. Women from all walks of life have played a critical role in shaping history and creating a more equitable world.

As we look to the future, let us commit to supporting and uplifting women everywhere. Let us work towards a world where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from discrimination and inequality. We must choose to challenge gender bias and inequality and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

FAQs on International Women’s Day Speech

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year.

International Women’s Day is important because it is a day to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. It is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women to society, and to inspire action toward positive change.

International Women’s Day is celebrated in many different ways, depending on the country and culture. Some common ways to celebrate include holding events and rallies, organizing marches and protests, sharing stories and experiences on social media, and promoting women-owned businesses and organizations.

Some of the key issues facing women today include gender-based violence, discrimination in the workplace, unequal pay, limited access to education and healthcare, and underrepresentation in political leadership and decision-making roles.

There are many things that individuals can do to support gender equality and women’s rights, such as educating themselves on the issues, speaking out against discrimination and inequality, supporting women-owned businesses and organizations, advocating for policy changes, and promoting gender diversity and inclusion in all areas of life.

By Gauri Malik

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Speech on International Women’s Day | Inspiring and Motivational Speech on International Women’s Day

February 8, 2024 by Prasanna

International Women’s Day Speech in English:  International Women’s day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It’s a day that people around the world dedicated to the women in their lives. Women’s DayDay celebrates the importance and significance of women in every person’s life.

It’s a day where women are recognized and celebrated in their fields. These women have a fierce and robust spirit, which makes them excel in their respective areas. They deserve all the love and support that the world gives them on this day. The contribution of women in every sphere of life is massive. They contribute to the lives of their family members as well as the country. Best Speeches on Women’s Day are as follows.

Students can also find more  English Speech Writing  about Welcome Speeches, Farewell Speeches, etc

Long and Short Speech on International Women’s Day for Students and Kids in English

Given below are two speeches- long and short. The long Speech on International Women’s Day consists of 500 words, and the short Speech on International Women’s Day consists of 150-200 words. Both lectures are in English. Students and children can use the addresses given below as reference points and make their women’s day speech in english.

Long Speech on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day falls on the 8th of March every year. It’s a day where women are recognized and appreciated for all their hard work and dedication. International Women’s day is a day when women get appreciation for all their hard-work and effort to maintain their lives and the lives of others around them.

It’s a day to show the women in your lives how much you care for them and love them. It’s a day which is celebrated around the globe with a lot of love and happiness. It’s an occasion where you show the women in your life how much their existence means to you.

Schools and colleges are getting more and more open to celebrating days like International Women’s Day. It’s a sign of progress, and they are teaching the students to respect and honor women. If schools and colleges don’t celebrate this Day, students won’t learn the importance of women’s Day.

Women’s Day has become a custom every year now and celebrated for the women around us. All these women deserve respect, love, care, and happiness.

The empowerment of women is a great responsibility that all these women need. The world becomes a better place when women don’t feel the hardships to exist. For many years, women have faced several difficulties.

Earlier, the role of women was limited to household chores. Everyone, including some women, was brought up to believe that the role of women is limited to the tasks. Due to this belief, women didn’t go out to work or thought about going for work.

However, this thought changed after a few decades because women started trying different things. Women began realizing that they, too, can have careers and a future. More and more women began taking up jobs and worked in many sectors of the economy.

The scenery of the world for women has changed over time and decades. It has mainly happened due to the efforts of all the women in the past. Now, there is no space where women aren’t working and excelling at what they are doing. Women manage a number of things at the same time.

Women are being given equal opportunities at work. They are given the freedom to move ahead of the opposite gender. Women are running ahead of men and leading their respective companies in the direction of success. The construction that they have towards society has immensely increased. Earlier, they used to limit their contribution by doing household chores. However, now women are contributing to the organization but working through it.

The saying that women run the world is coming true as every year passes. Women everyone around the world is changing the world by contributing immensely to the world. They are working hard and breaking all the glass ceilings around the world.

A woman is no longer dependent on a man for her financial needs. She is independent and strong enough to take care of herself. It is a change that gave women around the world the freedom which makes them financially independent. They are self-confident and aren’t afraid to push all the boundaries required to finish their jobs.

Students can find 10 Lines on International Women’s Day and Women’s Day Slogans from here.

Short Speech About International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a which is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It’s a day for celebrating women who work hard every day to achieve personal and professional goals.

It’s a day when there are activists, movements, and March that happen all around the world. Around the world, it is the DayDay with the most changes. One of the reasons for protesting is for the liberation of women around the world.

There are some countries where women don’t get equal rights. In these countries, the role of women is limited to household chores. However, this needs to change because women deserve equal opportunities at everything like men.

The world is moving towards achieving gender balance. It’s moving towards equality for both men and women. The change is something that is needed and is essential. For ages, men have had more privileges in every sphere of society. However, that needs to change because we are all humans, and we should all get equal rights and opportunities.

International women’s DayDay is a day where everyone appreciates everything that the women in their lives do. It’s a day when everyone acknowledges the value and importance of women in their lives— of women in the world is immense.

FAQ’s On Speech on International Women’s Day

Question 1. When is International Women’s Day celebrated?

Answer: International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year.

Question 2. What is the reason for the celebration of International Women’s Day?

Answer: International Women’s Day is celebrated to show the importance and significance that women have on the lives of their family members and society.

Question 3. What are the changes that happened in the role of women in society?

Answer: Earlier, the role of women was limited to household chores. However, over time the women started working and excelling at their jobs.

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Speech on Women’s Day

Speech generator.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and all the incredible women present here today, I stand before you humbled by the opportunity to speak on a day that is much more than a date on the calendar. International Women’s Day is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of women around the globe. It is a day to honor the achievements of women, to acknowledge the progress made, and to recommit ourselves to the journey ahead towards gender equality.

The Journey of Women

The story of women’s journey towards equality is a tapestry woven with the threads of courage, sacrifice, and relentless struggle. From the suffragettes of the early 20th century to the women’s liberation movements of the 60s and 70s, to the #MeToo movement of today, women have fought tirelessly for their rights, for respect, and for recognition. Each step forward has been hard-won, each victory a testament to the resilience and strength of women everywhere.

Celebrating Achievements

Today, we celebrate not just the victories of the past but the achievements of women in the present. Women are leading nations, shaping economies, making scientific breakthroughs, and creating art that challenges and inspires. They are mothers, daughters, leaders, and visionaries. They are breaking the glass ceiling, challenging stereotypes, and showing the world that there is no limit to what women can achieve.

The Challenge Ahead

Yet, despite the progress, the journey is far from over. Gender inequality remains a pervasive issue, manifesting in wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and systemic barriers that hinder women’s advancement. Violence against women, limited access to education and healthcare, and the undermining of women’s rights are realities that too many women face daily. Today, we recommit ourselves to the fight against these injustices, to standing in solidarity with women across the globe in their quest for equality, respect, and dignity.

A Call to Action

On this Women’s Day, let us make a pledge. A pledge to uplift and support the women around us, to challenge gender stereotypes and biases, and to work towards creating a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential. Let us celebrate the achievements of women, not just today, but every day. Let us remember that the fight for gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a human issue, requiring the commitment and action of every one of us, regardless of gender.

In conclusion, let us draw inspiration from the women who have paved the way, from those who have dared to dream, and from those who continue to fight for a fairer, more equal world. Let us honor them by continuing their work, by standing up for justice and equality, and by celebrating the extraordinary contributions of women to our world. Together, we can create a future where International Women’s Day is not just a day of reflection but a celebration of true gender equality achieved. Thank you.

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Un headquarters, 06 march 2020, remarks at the observance of international women's day, antónio guterres.

I wish you all the best for International Women’s Day on Sunday.   Gender inequality is the overwhelming injustice of our age and the biggest human rights challenge we face.   I have said it before, and I will say it again: gender equality is a question of power.   Men have used and abused power to control women and prevent them from achieving their potential for millennia.   Deep-rooted patriarchy and misogyny have created a yawning gender power gap in our economies, our political systems, our corporations, our societies and our culture.   Women are still very frequently denied a voice; their opinions are ignored and their experience discounted.   In recent months, there have been plenty of examples.   High-profile peace agreements have been signed without any women at the table.   Emergency healthcare meetings on the new coronavirus were convened with few or no women.     But women need peace, and contribute to peace, just as much as men – maybe more.   Women are as vulnerable to illness as men and they make up the majority of the healthcare workforce.       There is no justification for women’s continued exclusion.   Dear Friends,     In recent years, I have seen a change.   Women have had enough.   They are protesting against femicide – the killing of women – in the streets; they are on strike for equal pay and conditions; they are calling out powerful men for violence and abuse.   Young women are redefining what power looks like.   They are creating new, inclusive forms of leadership that unite people across borders and around common goals.   I welcome some of these young leaders here today.   Thank you for your activism and your advocacy.   Please keep up the pressure. Please hold the world to account.   We need your passion and conviction as we face a whole range of global challenges, from climate change to conflict.     Generation Equality cannot be Generation Gradual Improvement or Generation Incremental Change.   Generation Equality means equal rights and opportunities for all women and girls, now.   That is why I am determined to achieve gender parity at all levels at the United Nations, and I am pleased that we have done so at senior levels two years ahead of schedule.     Dear Friends,   Without women’s leadership and full participation, we will never achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or defeat climate change.   Women, particularly young women, are leaders on climate action.   But I was not aware until recently that one of the “founding fathers” of climate science was a woman – a “founding mother”.   In 1856, Eunice Foote, an American scientist and women’s rights campaigner, believed changes in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could affect the Earth’s temperature. She conducted an experiment with glass cylinders and thermometers to prove it.   Her paper was presented at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science – by a man.   Three years later, another man published his own research on heat-trapping gases which is considered the foundation of climate science. It started with a woman but it was covered.    Gender equality means finding and honoring women whose achievements were erased and ignored in their own time.   Women like Eunice Foote.   Women like Katherine Johnson and her colleagues who worked for NASA on the Apollo moon landings, whose story was told in the book and film Hidden Figures.   Women like Tu Youyou, who turned to traditional Chinese medicine to look for a cure for malaria in the 1970s.   Her discoveries saved millions of lives around the world and were finally recognized with a Nobel prize in 2015.   Women’s stories matter. Representation matters.   As Simone de Beauvoir said: “Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men: they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with the absolute truth.”   Dear Friends,   When I was a child, in many places, women were legally dependents of their husbands; they could not open a bank account or own property in their own name; and they were completely excluded from all positions of power.   The change we have seen in my lifetime shows that progress is real, and possible.   But it has also led to a pushback.   Twenty-five years after the Beijing conference, progress on women’s rights has stalled and even reversed.   Some countries have rolled back laws that protect women from violence; others are reducing civic space; still others are pursuing economic and immigration policies that indirectly discriminate against women.   Women’s autonomy, including full access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, is far from universal.   Bias against gender equality is growing in some countries.   The first gender social norm index, published this week by the United Nations Development Programme, found that almost 90 percent of people, including women, interviewed across 75 countries have “at least one clear bias against gender equality in areas such as politics, economics, education, intimate partner violence and women’s reproductive rights”.   Almost 30 percent of people in the world think today that it is acceptable for a man to beat his partner.   We must push back against the pushback.   We cannot give way; we refuse to lose the ground we have won.   It is more important than ever for men to stand up for women’s rights and gender equality.    That is why I am a proud feminist. And why I am personally committed to increasing support for women’s rights across the board at the United Nations.   In the next two years, I will do everything in my power to make sure women are represented in all decision-making at the United Nations, including in peace processes.   Only through the equal participation of women can we benefit from the intelligence, experience and insights of all of humanity.   Thank you. 

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International Womens Day

Statement by the Administrator

May 18, 2021

COVID19 has exacerbated inequalities and poverty.

Achim Steiner

UNDP Administrator

This year’s International Women’s Day is like no other. As countries and communities start to slowly recover from a devastating pandemic, we have the chance to finally end the exclusion and marginalization of women and girls. But to do that, we need immediate action. Women must have the opportunity to play a full role in shaping the pivotal decisions being made right now as countries respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic – choices that will affect the wellbeing of people and the planet for generations to come.

To do this, we must break down the deep-seated historic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers that prevent women from taking their seat at the decision-making table to make sure that resources and power are more equitably distributed. For instance, across the world, women remain concentrated in the lowest-paid jobs , many in extremely vulnerable forms of employment. Women are nearly twice as likely than men to lose their jobs during the COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the pandemic will dramatically increase the poverty rate for women and widen the gap between men and women who live in poverty. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working with countries across the globe to address these inequalities. Our eye-opening new policy brief explores how a Temporary Basic Income for women in developing countries could provide part of the solution. UNDP argues that a worthwhile monthly investment of 0.07 per cent of developing countries’ GDP could help 613 million working-aged women living in poverty to absorb the shock of the pandemic . It would also contribute to the economic security and independence that is necessary for women to engage more deeply in the decisions that could change their future.

Despite the barriers, women, especially young women, are at the forefront of diverse and inclusive movements for social change -- online and in the streets. That includes their leading role in taking a stand against climate change , fighting for a green economy and pushing for women’s rights. And we know that more inclusive leadership and representation leads to stronger democracies, better governance, and more peaceful societies. Look, for instance, to research by UN Women, which demonstrates that involving women in peace processes is likely to make peace agreements last much longer. However, we aren’t moving fast enough. At the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government, for example, will take another 130 years . To disrupt the status quo , UNDP is working to amplify women’s voices and promote their participation and leadership in public institutions, parliaments, the judiciary, and the private sector. With our support, some 180 different measures -- from electoral quotas to gender-smart business policies -- were put in place by countries across the globe in 2019. And the COVID-19 Global Gender Response Tracker by UNDP and UN Women is helping Governments to identify and address gaps in their response to the pandemic -- from ways to address gender-based violence to how to redistribute unpaid care work.

To build forward better from the COVID-19 crisis, and to get the Global Goals firmly back on track, we cannot simply return to the world we had before. We must do things differently. That means shattering the barriers that hold women and girls back. This year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry for Generation Equality . It is time to finally fully harness the power of women’s leadership to realise a more equal, more inclusive and more sustainable future.

• Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

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Remarks By The First Lady At Let Girls Learn Event Celebrating International Women’s Day

Union Market Washington, D.C.

12:18 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Wow!  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Hey.  You guys good?  All right, rest yourselves.  We’ve got a lot to do.  

Hi, everyone.  It is a pleasure to be here with all of you on this International Women’s Day as we mark the first anniversary of Let Girls Learn.  And today, we want to celebrate all of the wonderful progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re seeing around girls’ education across the globe.

But before we get started, I just wanted to briefly express my sadness over the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan.  Mrs. Reagan was a woman of incredible strength and grace, and she was a passionate advocate for so many important issues.  Through the example she set, both during her time in the White House and beyond, Mrs. Reagan reminded us of the importance of women’s leadership at every level of our society.

And on a personal note, Mrs. Reagan also understood the value of mentoring.  She warmly and willingly offered advice and encouragement to me as I settled into my role as First Lady.  And I am so grateful for her kindness and generosity to me and my family over the years, and I hope that our continued work to educate girls worldwide is a fitting tribute to her legacy.  (Applause.)  

So back to the business at hand.  I have to start by thanking Ambassador Power –- another strong woman leader, as you heard -- for that wonderful, kind, generous introduction, but more importantly, for her extraordinary work to promote human dignity, human rights across the globe.  We are lucky to have someone like her in this administration, and the President and I are very lucky to have her as a friend.  (Applause.)      I also want to recognize our outstanding Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, Cathy Russell, and her -- yes -- (applause) -- and her entire team at the State Department for hosting this event and for their tremendous work on girls’ education and so many other critical issues.  I’m thankful to have them as partners in this effort.

But most of all, I want to thank all of you for your tremendous leadership on behalf of girls around the world.  Some of you have been with us since the day we launched Let Girls Learn, some of you have been working on girls’ education for decades, and some of you are students who will be leading the way on this issue in years to come.  And I’m so proud that you all are here.  Give yourselves a round of applause.  Our young people!  (Applause.)  

And I know that each of us here today has a story like Samantha shared about how we first got engaged in this issue –- the moment our heart first broke or we felt that first flare of outrage when we realized that 62 million girls worldwide –- girls who are just as smart and hard-working as we are -– aren’t getting the opportunities that we sometimes take for granted.  

For me, it was the drumbeat of horrifying stories:  Malala Yousafzai shot in the head by terrorists just for speaking the simple truth that girls should to go school.  More than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped from their school dormitory by a terrorist group determined to keep them from getting an education –- grown men trying to snuff out the aspirations of young girls.  Little girls being brutally assaulted on their way to school, being forced to marry and bear children when they’re barely even teenagers.  Girls in every corner of the globe facing grave danger simply because they were full and equal human beings -- that’s what they decided -- worthy of developing their boundless potential.  

And the more I traveled and met with girls and learned from experts about this issue, the more I realized that the barriers to girls’ education isn’t just resources.  It’s not just about access to scholarships or transportation or school bathrooms.  It’s also about attitudes and beliefs -– the belief that girls simply aren’t worthy of an education; that women should have no role outside the home; that their bodies aren’t their own, their minds don’t really matter, and their voices simply shouldn’t be heard.

And like many of you, as a woman, I take all of this personally.  While I’m thankful that I’ve never faced anything like the horrors that many of these girls endure, like most women, I know how it feels to be overlooked, to be underestimated, to have someone only half listen to your ideas at a meeting -- to see them turn to the man next to you, the man you supervise, and assume he’s in charge -- or to experience those whistles and taunts as you walk down the street.

And I’ve seen how these issues play out not just on a personal level, but on a national level in our laws and policies. You see, in my lifetime -– and I’m not that old -– it was perfectly legal for employers to discriminate against women.  In my lifetime, women were not legally allowed to make fundamental decisions about their bodies –- and practically speaking, many still can’t.  In my lifetime, domestic violence was seen as a private matter between a man and his wife rather than as the horrific crime that it is.  

And today, it is so easy to take for granted all the progress we’ve made on these kinds of issues.  But the fact is that right now, today, so many of these rights are under threat from all sides, always at risk of being rolled back if we let our guard down for a single minute.  

These issues aren’t settled.  These freedoms that we take for granted aren’t guaranteed in stone.  And they certainly didn’t just come down to us as a gift from the heavens.  No, these rights were secured through long, hard battles waged by women and men who marched, and protested, and made their voices heard in courtrooms and boardrooms and voting booths and the halls of Congress.

And make no mistake about it, education was central to every last one of those efforts.  The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in that door and take your seat at that table -- all of that starts with education.  And trust me, girls around the world, they understand this.  They feel it in their bones, and they will do whatever it takes to get that education.  

I’ve seen it time and time again –- girls in Senegal studying at rickety desks in bare concrete classrooms raising their hands so hard they’re almost falling out of their chairs.  Girls in Cambodia who wake up hours before dawn, ride their bikes for miles just to get to school.  Bangladeshi immigrant girls in the United Kingdom who study for hours every night and proudly wear their head scarves everywhere they go, resolutely ignoring those who would demean their religion.  

These girls risk everything -– the rejection of their communities, the violation of their bodies -– everything, just to go to school each day.  And then here I show up with a hoard of international reporters shoving microphones in their faces -- these girls don’t blink.  They stand up.  They look straight into those cameras and they proudly explain who they want to be –- doctors and teachers, forces for change in their countries.

You see, they know that education is their only path to self-sufficiency.  It is their only chance to shape their own fate rather than having the limits of their lives dictated to them by others.  And I’m passionate about this because I truly see myself in these girls -– in their hunger, in their burning determination to rise above their circumstances and reach for something more.  And I know that many of you do, too.

And let’s be clear, this issue isn’t just personal to women.  I have met countless men who learn about the plight of girls around the world, and they look into the eyes of their daughters and wives and mothers -– women they deeply respect and love -– and this issue becomes personal for them, too.  So it’s not surprising that over the past year since we launched Let Girls Learn, we have been overwhelmed by the response we’ve received.  

This issue is truly resonating as folks in every sector are stepping up to take action on behalf of these girls around the world.  From day one, the U.S. government has been leading the way with State, USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, investing hundreds of millions of dollars.  They’re providing scholarships for girls in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  They’re doing leadership training for girls in Afghanistan.  They’re building school bathrooms for girls in El Salvador.  They’re taking on female genital mutilation in Guinea, forced child marriage in Bangladesh.  

Let Girls Learn also has a strong partner in the American Peace Corps.  Volunteers are now running more than 100 girls’ education projects in 22 countries -– girls’ mentorship programs, girls’ leadership camps, and so much more.  

And through Let Girls Learn, dozens of major companies and organizations have come forward to support this work, including Lyft, Jet Blue, Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Starwood Hotels -- I could go on and on -- Alex and Ani.  I’ve got my bracelets on.  (Laughter.)  They’re donating hundreds of thousands of dollars.  They’re creating new products –- backpacks and charm bracelets and T-Shirts -– to raise money and awareness.  They’re promoting Let Girls Learn in their advertisements, their in-flight magazines, their hotel room videos.  They’re doing it all.  The Girl Scouts are getting in on the action as well by creating a Global Action badge that girls can earn by learning about girls’ education.  

And it’s not just corporations and organizations who are getting engaged on this issue.  Folks of all ages and all walks of life are stepping up, as well.  More than 1,600 people in nearly all 50 states have donated money to Let Girls Learn Peace Corps projects.  Our #62MillionGirls hashtag was the number-one hashtag in the U.S., with people across the country talking about the power of education.  And we’ll be launching the next phase of this social media campaign next week at South by Southwest.

And we haven’t just inspired folks here in the United States.  Our hashtag was the number-three hashtag globally, with girls around the world tweeting their support for Let Girls Learn.  And countries like Japan, the UK, South Korea have joined this effort as well, investing more than half a billion dollars in girls’ education.  And at this year’s U.N. General Assembly, nearly 200 countries agreed to make adolescent girls’ education a top priority in the new Global Goals.  

And today, just 12 months after we launched Let Girls Learn, we’re seeing the impact of these efforts all around the world.  We see it in the story of a girl named Fiker from Ethiopia who, at the age of 13, found out that her parents were planning to marry her off to a man she’d never met.  But Fiker had learned about the dangers of early marriage from a USAID program she was involved in, so she refused to go through with the marriage.  She went on to graduate first in her entire sixth-grade class.

We see the impact of our work in the story of a young woman named Nourhan in Egypt.  When Nourhan got accepted to a girls’ science and technology boarding school supported by USAID, of course she was hesitant to leave home.  But she took the plunge, and today, she’s an avid coder.  And when speaking about her plans for the future, she says, “I dream of being the youngest Nobel Prize winner for Nuclear Physics.”

And we’re seeing the impact of our efforts not just on girls worldwide, but on young people right here at home.  Kids across the U.S. are learning about these girls and they’re embracing this issue as their own.  Students at a middle school in California raised $1,500 for Let Girls Learn by selling popsicles and hot chocolate.  At a school in Wisconsin, students raised $594 from their friends and families.  As part of their campaign, they created signs to raise awareness, and one of these signs said that “33 million fewer girls than boys are in primary school worldwide.”  They said, “We’re in this together.  Together we [can] make a difference.”  

See, even young kids get it.  We’re in this together.  Because these girls are our girls.  They are us.  They each have the spark of something extraordinary inside of them just like our daughters –- and our sons -– and their fate is very much our responsibility.  

And in the coming months, we’re going to be expanding our call to action to support these girls.  We are going to be engaging even more people -– moms and dads, faith and youth organizations, and young people like so many of you.  Because there is so much that students like you can do to make a real difference on girls’ education.

You can study this issue and organize your classmates to take action.  You can study or volunteer abroad and be on the front lines educating girls.  After you graduate from college, you can even join the Peace Corps and run your own girls’ education project.  Or if you get out there and get a job, like your parents may want you to -- (laughter) -- you can get your company involved in Let Girls Learn.  That’s how Lyft got involved, from one of our fellow young people who worked in this administration and now works at Lyft.  That kind of commitment that companies are announcing today, you can be a part of making it happen.

Every single one of us has a role to play on this issue.  And you can start today by going to LetGirlsLearn.gov and find out how to get involved right now.  No contribution is too small, as you can see, because in the end, that’s how we’re going to solve this problem –- one girl, one school, one village at a time, with folks like all of you -- particularly our young people -- leading the way.

And no, it will not be easy.  And it will not be quick.  But make no mistake about it, we can do this.  If we can make this kind of project -- progress in just a year -- in just a year -- if we keep putting in this effort and this investment that these girls deserve, we can get this done.  I know we are all up to the task.  I know we are.  I see it in your eyes.  I know you feel that burning sensation, that sense of unfairness.  Turn that into action.  Turn that passion into something real.  Those girls will be so grateful, because they are all of us.  They are my daughters, and they are you.

So I want to close by thanking all of you once again for everything you have done in this year, and everything we will continue to do together.  And I do look forward to continuing our work together in the months and years to come.  And I cannot wait to see all the doors we will open, all the fortunes we -- and futures we transform for girls across the globe.

So you guys ready to get to work?  (Applause.)  You think we can get this done?  (Applause.)  All right.  Thank you all so much.  God bless.  (Applause.) 

END  12:37 P.M.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by President   Biden on International Women’s   Day

4:27 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Madam Vice President, and thank you, Mr. Secretary.

On Friday, I submitted to the Senate for confirmation my first slate of nominations for four-star command positions in our Armed Forces — among them, two outstanding and eminently

qualified warriors and patriots.  General Jacqueline Van Ovost in the United States Air Force is currently the only female four-star officer serving in our military.  I nominated her as Commander of the United States Transportation Command. 

And when confirmed, the Lieutenant General Laura Richardson, of the United States Army, will be promoted in rank and join General Van Ovost as the only four-star — as another four-star general.  I nominated her as Commander in the United States Southern Command. 

And, when confirmed, they will become the second and third women in the history of the United States Armed Forces to lead combatant commands.

Each of these women have led careers demonstrating incomparable skill, integrity, and duty to country.  And at every step, they’ve also helped push open the doors of opportunity to women in our military — blazing the trail a little wider, a little brighter for all the proud women following in their path and looking to their example. 

And I wanted to shine the light on these accomplishments for those women today because General Van Ovost — as reiterated in an interview this last week, and I’m the second person to say this — it’s hard to be what you can’t see.  It’s hard to be what you can’t see, but you’ll soon see.

Today is International Women’s Day.  And we all need to see and to recognize the barrier-breaking accomplishments of these women.  We need the young women just beginning their careers in the military service to see it and know that no door will be closed to them.  We need women and men throughout the ranks to see and celebrate women’s accomplishments and leadership in the services.  We need little girls and boys both, who have grown up dreaming of serving for their country, to know this is what generals in the United States Armed Forces look like.  This is what Vice Presidents of United States look like. 

So I’d like to spend just a few minutes today making sure that America knows who General Van Ovost is and Lieutenant General Richardson is.  They’re aviators.  Both learned to fly planes before they were old enough to drive a car. 

General Van Ovost, a first-generation — is a first-generation American: the daughter of Dutch immigrants who owned a flying operation.  She loved the freedom of flight and, as a teenager, flew herself to see Sally Ride lift off as the first woman in space.  Sixteen years old, goes down to see Sally Ride.  She said she was at several thousand feet watching from a distance. 

You know, women weren’t — were banned from flying combat missions when the General joined the force, so she focused on becoming a test pilot.  And instead of learning to fly just one plane, she learned to fly everything, including Air Force Two when I was Vice President. 

General Van Ovost currently is — oversees Air Mobility Command: approximately 107,000 airmen and 1,100 planes that enable America’s air power and humanitarian assistance to go everywhere in the world it need be.  From flying water to Texans after the recent storms, to ensuring our wounded warriors are evacuated for medical care from anywhere in the world, she gets it done. 

Lieutenant General Richardson’s parents were proud patriots.  It must have rubbed off because Lieutenant General Richardson and her brother and sister all joined the Army.  Her father encouraged her to join ROTC in college, even though that meant commuting to a different school. 

When Lieutenant General Richardson joined the Army Aviation Branch, women were banned from flying attack helicopters.  She flew to — in support of combatant — combat missions, and conducting lift operations of her UH-1 — the so-called “Huey” — and the Blackhawks. 

Now, as a commanding general of the United States Army North, Lieutenant General Richardson oversees military ground responses here in North America all over — all over the last year.  That’s meant getting military and medical personnel deployed to help in our response to this pandemic.  More than 4,500 military and medical personnel deployed in hospitals across 14 states and the Navajo Nation to treat COVID-19 patients.  It means more than 2,200 medical personnel are working, or soon will be, at vaccination sites in eight states and the United States Virgin Islands. 

I’m so proud of the incredible work Lieutenant General Richardson and her team have done to support the American people this year, and the American people are as well.  They’re warriors.  They’re crisis-tested commanders. 

But best of all — but best of all, they’re not done yet.  Neither of these incredible generals is resting on her laurels or on her stars.  They’re using their voices and actively working to change policies in the military to make it easier and safer for more women not just to join the military, but to stay in the military and to thrive. 

I’m incredibly proud that in 2015, under the Obama-Biden administration, we took the final steps to open up all positions in the military to anyone qualified to serve in them.  The women who join today’s military aren’t told “no” when they apply to fly fighter jets or attack helicopters just because of their gender.  They aren’t told “no” when they want to apply to Ranger School or infantry officer basic training. 

But they all know that there’s much, much more work to be done to ensure that women’s leadership is recognized  and we have more diverse leaders; we reach the top echelons of command for all who are qualified, including all women — all women; and that all women feel safe and respected in our military — period.

You know, some of — some of it is relatively straightforward work where we’re making good progress designing body armor that fits women properly; tailoring combat uniforms for women; creating maternity flight suits; updating — updating requirements for their hairstyles.  

And some of it is going to take — and — you know, an intensity of purpose and mission to really change the culture and habits that cause women to leave the military: 

That women are — making sure more diverse candidates are considering — being considered for career-advancing opportunities at every single level.

That women aren’t penalized in their careers for having children.

That women aren’t just token members, but integral parts throughout all branches and all divisions. 

And that they can completely, fairly engage in promotion and compete all across the board, including on the — on age and gender neutrality and the physical fitness test.

You know that both members of the — of the military couples can thrive while serving, like Lieutenant General Richardson and her husband, Lieutenant General Richardson, who, I might add, I want to thank you for getting me off a mountain that was about 12- to 14,000 feet up on a goat path when our helicopter went down in a snowstorm.  It’s good to see you, General.  The ride down that mountain was more perilous in a truck than it was in the helicopter, but thank you. 

And we have to take on sexual assault and harassment and violence against women in the military.  Sexual assault is a abhorrent and wrong at any time.  And in our military, where so much of unit cohesion is built on trusting your fellow service members to have your back, there’s nothing less than a threat to our national security. 

I know Secretary Austin takes this as seriously as Vice President Harris and I do.  That’s why his first memo as Secretary was a directive to take on sexual assault in the military and why he stepped up independent review — he set up an Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault to make concrete recommendations for changes. 

This is going to be an all-hands-on-deck effort under my administration to end the scourge of sexual assault in the military.  And we’re going to be focused on that from the very top.  I know that we can do it.

The U.S. Military has defeated American enemies on land, in air, and at sea, and this is not beyond us. 

I want to thank General Van Ovost — Ovost and Lieutenant General Richardson for their exemplary careers and service to our country.  You’re America’s patriotism at its finest: undaunted and absolutely — absolutely able to do anything by any obstacle; determined to open wide and the doors of opportunity; and ready for the next challenge. 

It’s my great honor to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.  And I look forward to hearing your active-duty and recommendations of how we will work together to keep the American people safe to meet every challenge in the 21st century.

So I want to thank you both.  And I want to thank Sec- — the former general — I keep calling him “General.”  My — the guy who runs that outfit over there.  I want to make sure we thank the Secretary for all he’s done to try to implement what we’ve just talked about, and for recommending these two women for promotion. 

Thank you all.  May God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you. 

Thank you, everybody.

Q    Mr. President, can you pass voting rights with the Senate filibuster in its current form, do you think?

THE PRESIDENT:  I can talk to you about that later.

4:43 P.M. EST

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President Cyril Ramaphosa: Women’s Day

Address by president cyril ramaphosa on women’s day, dennis nel stadium, pofadder, northern cape.

Programme Directors,  Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul Executive Mayor of the Namakwa District Municipality, Cllr Mervin Cloete, Members of Parliament, MECs and MPLs, Representatives of political parties, Religious, traditional and community leaders, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow South Africans,

Goeie môre. Molweni. Sanibonani. Dumelang. Lotjhani. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni.

Good Morning.

Today, I greet all the women of South Africa as your President.

I greet you also as a son born of a woman, as a brother to a sister, as a husband and as a father of daughters.

On this Women’s Day, I pay tribute to South Africa’s women.

They are the pillars of our communities. The anchor of the family. The backbone of our nation. Abafazi. Imbokodo.

Today we stand on the shoulders of giants. The wise, caring, loving, selfless women who raised us, who nurtured us and who led our country to freedom.

It is my honour to be here in Pofadder in the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality.

The Northern Cape is the birthplace of many women heroes of the liberation struggle. People like Mama Frances Baard, Mittah Seperepere, Tina Joemat-Pettersson and others.

The Namakwa District is known for its rich cultural history. It is home to the Nama people. This province is the home of our living legend Mama Katrina Esau, who is fighting to preserve the language and culture of the San people.

Today we remember all the women of this province and from across South Africa who have played their part in building our country.

We salute their resilience and their dignity.

Each year on Women’s Day, we commemorate the historic march of more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings on the 9th of August 1956 to protest against the extension of pass laws to women.

On that day, those courageous women, from across our country, stood in silence for 30 minutes. And then they sang:

Wathint’abafazi Wathint’imbokodo,  Uza kufa!

[When] you strike the women,  You strike a rock You will be crushed!

In the many years since then, this song has come to represent women’s courage and strength.

Today, as we celebrate 30 years of freedom and democracy, we should take stock.

We should reflect on how far we have come. And we should deliberate on the challenges that stand in the way of the emancipation of South Africa’s women.

To move forward, we must understand our past.

South Africa remains a highly unequal country.

Poverty still has the face of a black woman.

Black women are more likely to be unemployed, to be poor and to be unskilled.

Cultural norms and practices – many of these the product of colonialism and apartheid – continue to hold women back.

Apartheid broke up families. Men were recruited as migrant labourers, leaving women and children behind to fend for themselves.

Young girls were brought up for marriage. They did not go to school. They were confined to the home.

Over 30 years, through the struggles of women, we have done much to improve the status and circumstance of South African women.

We have built on the struggles of many decades.

This year marks 70 years since the historic Women’s Charter was adopted.

It is 30 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter for Effective Equality.

These charters continue to guide our efforts.

As the Women’s Charter demands, women now have the right to vote.

They have the right to equal work for equal pay.

They have the right to equality before the law.

And we have made great progress in providing for the protection of mother and child.

As the Women’s Charter demands, we have worked to provide proper homes for all. But much is still to be done.

We have, to use the words of the Charter, worked to provide “water, light, transport, sanitation, and other amenities of modern civilisation”.

Women in South Africa enjoy rights and freedoms under our Constitution. They benefit from progressive legislation.

Women today are significantly represented in Parliament, in government and in the judiciary.

Thanks to our affirmative action policies, there are today more women in important positions in the workforce. But more still needs to be done, especially in the private sector. Women in South Africa enjoy the right to quality healthcare, including reproductive health care.

Millions of South African women are supported every month with social grants to enable them to care for their families and support their children.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of female literacy in our region.

There is parity between girls and boys in primary school enrolment.

Female learners achieve more bachelors passes. Young women make up the majority of students in higher education institutions.

We have prioritised women and youth in our public employment programmes.

Around 66 percent of participants in the Presidential Employment Stimulus are women.

Yet, we still have much further to go.

As the Government of National Unity, we are united across the political spectrum by our common commitment to improve the lives of South African women.

To grow our economy and accelerate development, women must take their rightful place as active participants in the economy.

Women must be business owners, producers, employers and employees.

To support this effort, in 2021 we launched the Women’s Economic Assembly.

The Assembly aims to secure procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses in different industries.

Through the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme approximately 8,000 women have been trained to establish and manage businesses.

With funding from government and development finance institutions, we are increasing the support provided to women-owned enterprises.

We are working to ensure more women can own land, especially in rural areas.

This is so that they can farm and have assets they can use to build and grow businesses.

We are driving initiatives to improve the health outcomes of South African women.

This is part of our commitment as the chair of the Global Leaders Network for Women, Children and Adolescent Health.

Fellow South Africans,

As we celebrate the gains made during the 30 years of freedom and democracy, our country is deeply traumatised by violence against women and children.

This violence is a betrayal of our Constitution. It is an affront to our common humanity.

In recent years, we have worked together to fight gender-based violence and femicide.

Guided by our National Strategic Plan, we have introduced new laws that protect survivors of gender-based violence, improve the response of the police, and ensure harsher sentences for perpetrators.

We have opened additional Sexual Offences Courts. We have expanded our network of Thuthuzela Care Centres.

We have introduced more victim-friendly services at police stations across the country.

We have just recently passed legislation for the establishment of a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Council to mobilise and coordinate work across society.

The Human Sciences Research Council has just completed the first-ever national survey on GBV prevalence in a democratic South Africa.

The results of this ground-breaking survey will help guide our response to gender-based violence.

The study was undertaken in 2022 based on a random sample of people interviewed at home.

It measured issues like physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviour between intimate partners.

The detailed results of the survey will be released in the coming weeks.

Among other things, the survey found that around 7 percent of women aged 18 years and older had experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months.

This rate was highest among young women, black women, women who completed secondary education, and women who are unmarried but live with a partner.

Seven percent may not sound like a lot.

But this figure is the equivalent of 1.5 million women.

So, according to the HSRC survey, over the course of just one year, more than one and a half million women experienced physical or sexual violence in our country.

That is more than the entire population of the Northern Cape.

These are not statistics. These are human beings.

These are women who have endured a trauma that no person should have to experience.

The survey highlights that physical violence starts early, often affecting adolescent girls and young women, and continues through adulthood.

Around 13 percent of women who had ever been in an intimate relationship reported that they had experienced economic abuse at the hands of their partner.

This is why we need to address the massive inequality in income between men and women.

On average, women earn a quarter of their income from grants, compared to a far lower percentage for men.

We must therefore create more jobs and other economic opportunities for women. So they are less vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Significantly, 4 percent of men in the survey reported having perpetrated physical violence against a women in the preceding 12 months.

This translates to over 600,000 men.

This makes clear what we all know.

Men must change their behaviour. Men must change their attitudes.

That is why we today we call on all South African men to make a pledge to be part of the solution. To take responsibility for their actions.

To never raise a hand against a women.

To treat women as equals. To respect their rights and to treat them with dignity.

If we are to end gender-based violence, we must work together as a society.

We must work together, both men and women, both young and old.

When we call South African women ‘imbokodo’, we use the term they chose to describe themselves.

The face of poverty in South Africa may be that of a woman.

But it is also the face of resilience. Of determination. Of achievement.

The current generation of imbokodo have been clear. They have said nothing about women without women.

The blood, sweat and tears of South African women secured our freedom.

And it is their labour, their toil and their sacrifice that is building our nation.

They are fighting not just for themselves.

They are fighting for the dignity, the rights and the wellbeing of us all.

As our mothers, our grandmothers, our great-grandmothers, our aunts, our sisters and our daughters, you are our heroes. We offer you our tribute.

We thank you for all you are doing to build our country.

I wish all women and all South Africans a blessed Women’s Day.

I thank you.

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UN Women statement for World Humanitarian Day

Women at the heart of humanitarian action.

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We honour the brave humanitarians worldwide who sacrifice their lives to aid those in need, and we join this year’s call to #ActForHumanity .

Last year, 504 men and women aid workers were killed and injured , a stark increase from 264 the previous year. The number of civilians killed in armed conflict increased by 72 per cent in 2023, reaching 33,000 persons, with the proportion of women killed doubling compared to the previous year. In addition, conflict-related sexual violence persists as a deliberate tactic of warfare. Attacks also increasingly target humanitarian and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools and playgrounds, destroying the places where aid workers deliver services. This includes women’s centres, which provide critical services to support resilience, self-reliance and protection and respond to the specific needs of women and girls in humanitarian contexts.

As members of impacted communities with an intimate knowledge of their people, networks and needs, women are often first responders during crises. They play a central role in the survival and resilience of their families and communities, despite limited resources, security threats, and access constraints. Their continued presence is non-negotiable during these critical times – and must be protected.

Now is the time to end impunity. Join our united stand in solidarity with humanitarian partners to #ActForHumanity. We must end the normalization of increasing attacks against civilians and aid workers. Actors in conflict must respect the rules of war. Civilians must be protected. Safe spaces must be protected. Aid workers must be protected.

We urge global leaders to end the growing impunity for International Humanitarian Law violations which has fostered increased attacks against aid workers and steady increases over the past 20 years in attacks on humanitarians and civilians alike.

• Humanitarian action

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